Taiwan Food Atlas

Shuili Longan and Dried Longan (Guiyuan)

Charcoal-fired to a smoky honey fragrance — the with-pit version is the authentic dried longan
📍 Nantou · Junkeng · Minhe Village, Shuili Township🎯 Collector's Item · Agricultural Specialty🔖 Charcoal-Fired Dried Longan · With-Pit Version · Fresh Fruit Season Jul–Aug

Shuili longan and dried longan (guiyuan) is a longan product from the low hills of Shuili Township in Nantou, made by traditional charcoal-fire slow-roasting; fresh longan fruits every July and August, and roasting develops a smoky honey fragrance. Nantou County is one of Taiwan's major longan-producing regions, with Zhongliao Township's "Longan Forest" long renowned as the region's flagship longan area, while Shuili is also among the townships that grow longan alongside lychee, plums, and other local produce; the with-pit, charcoal-fired version has the fullest aroma — a deep, sweet, smoky character that machine-dried versions can never replicate.

Nantou County is one of central Taiwan's major longan-producing regions, and within it, Zhongliao Township is long known as the "Longan Forest" (Longyan Lin), historically Nantou's largest and most established longan-growing area; Shuili Township's Wikipedia entry also lists longan among its major crops, alongside plum, banana, orange, guava, lychee, navel orange, and grape. Beyond fresh eating, the most common way to process harvested longan across Taiwan is traditional charcoal-fire roasting into dried longan — a technique widely used across Taiwan's longan-growing regions generally, not unique to Shuili.

What Are Shuili Longan and Dried Longan

Dried longan (guiyuan gan) is processed from fresh longan fruit by slow charcoal-firing, available in three forms: "shell-on with pit," "shell-removed, flesh with pit," and "pitted longan flesh." Shuili's traditional method uses charcoal firing; the shell-removed-with-pit version (qu ke liu rou dai he) has the most concentrated aroma — the presence of the pit allows the flesh to heat more evenly and the smoky penetration to go deeper. The pitted version is more convenient to use but typically has some firing time cut from the process, resulting in a slightly weaker aroma. Brewing with hot water into longan tea is the most common everyday way to enjoy it.

Shuili Township Farmers' Association is the primary promotional body for dried longan; the Farmers' Association direct-sales station carries charcoal-fired dried longan year-round at prices more reasonable than tourist-area retail with clear provenance labeling. Fresh longan season is concentrated in July–August; after the season almost no fresh fruit is available, while dried longan is stably supplied year-round. Council of Agriculture Nantou County agricultural statistics data shows Shuili as an important longan production area; the county government tourism website also lists Shuili longan (guiyuan) as the township's representative agricultural product.

How to Enjoy Like a Local

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Longan tea is the everyday way to drink itTake 5–6 with-pit dried longan pieces, brew with 90°C hot water for 5 minutes for a sweetly satisfying cup; a few red dates or wolfberries can be added for extra depth.
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With-pit version has the fullest aromaWhen purchasing, prioritize the shell-removed-flesh-with-pit version for the most complete charcoal-fire fragrance; pitted longan flesh is convenient but the smoky depth is noticeably shallower.
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Farmers' Association direct-sales station has the best pricesShuili Township Farmers' Association direct-sales station dried longan is clearly labeled with full descriptions of the charcoal-firing process, more trustworthy than loose products sold at tourist areas.
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Don't miss the fresh fruit season July–AugustFresh longan has thin skin and abundant juice, available only briefly during July–August; during Farmers' Association market events you can purchase both fresh fruit and dried longan to compare the flavors.

Local Knowledge

Verified Sources

  • Shuili Township Farmers' Association agricultural specialty promotion page lists charcoal-fired dried longan as the township's representative agricultural product; the direct-sales station supplies it year-round.
  • Nantou County Government tourism website lists Shuili longan (guiyuan) as the township's representative agricultural product; Ministry of Agriculture Nantou County agricultural statistics data confirms Shuili as an important longan production area.

Visitor Tips

  • Some "dried longan" on the market is dehydrated using electric heat machines rather than traditional charcoal firing; the smoky fragrance is entirely different — confirm the production method on the label before buying.
  • Dried longan will re-absorb moisture, clump together, and lose flavor; after taking it home, store in a sealed container away from light. Charcoal-fired versions are best consumed within 3 months.
  • When selecting fresh longan (July–August), look for plump berries that spring back when gently pressed with yellowish-brown shells as the freshness standard; avoid any that are already cracked.

Sources: Shuili Township Farmers' Association Agricultural Specialty Promotion Page, Nantou County Government Tourism Website, Ministry of Agriculture Nantou County Agricultural Statistics Data. Photos pending Dio's on-site photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shuili longan and dried longan (guiyuan)?

It's longan grown in the low hills of Shuili Township, Nantou, traditionally charcoal-fired into dried longan with a smoky honey aroma.

Is Shuili Nantou's biggest longan-producing area?

Not exactly — Zhongliao Township's "Longan Forest" is Nantou's oldest and largest longan region; Shuili is one of several townships in the county that also grow longan.

Why is dried longan roasted with the pit still in?

Keeping the pit lets the flesh heat more evenly, giving a fuller flavor and deeper smokiness, a common feature of the traditional charcoal-roasting process.

When is fresh longan season?

Fresh longan is available only in July and August each year; after the season almost no fresh fruit remains, though dried longan is sold year-round.

Sources

🗺️ View on the map ← All Nantou dishes