Taichung is the largest growing area of citrus fruit, Asian pears, and taro in Taiwan. To boost the promotion and marketing of high-quality processed agricultural products from Taichung, the Agriculture Bureau of Taichung City Government(Hereinafter as " the Agriculture Bureau") has provided guidance to Shigang and Waipu District Farmers’ Associations in the joint organization of a “Presentation of Achievements in the Development of Value-added, Processed Agricultural Products in Taichung City” at Hungkuang University today (on the December 20th). The goal of this event lies in the marketing of products without added food coloring, such as citrus panna cotta, citrus fruit ice cream, Asian pear panna cotta, Asian pear sparkling beverage, taro soft serve, and Waipu dragon fruit ice cream, developed by the university in the context of the USR Two River Basin Project(USR兩河流域計畫). Free samples of new products are available at the event site to give participants a taste of the delightful flavors of agricultural products from Taichung.
The Agriculture Bureau points out that Shigang and Waipu District Farmers’ Associations utilize citrus fruit (whole fruit, thinned fruit, sun-dried fruit), Asian pears, and taro (top-grade and medium-grade) for the development of ingredients for new food products. Distinguished Professor Lin Li-Yun of the Department of Food Science and Technology, Hungkuang University has been entrusted with product development, while Associate Professor Tu Hui of the Department of Cultural Design & Marketing has been put in charge of packaging design. The goal lies in the development of a wide variety of healthy, delicious specialty products with distinctive flavors by considering consumer perspectives through collaboration between industry, government, and academia.
The Agriculture Bureau states that Asian pears and citrus fruit grown in Taichung City are seasonal fruitfruits. With a view to solving the problem of the unavailability of thinned or sun-dried fruit, the pulp of citrus fruit and Asian pears is prepared and utilized for processing. Numerous products including fruit panna cotta, ice cream, and sparkling beverages, have been developed through the diversified utilization of ingredients to satisfy the craving of modern people for novelty, meet the needs and expectations of a new era, and offer different choices to consumers.
Taro from Taichung City is mainly grown on the alluvial plain between Daan and Dajia Rivers in Dajia, Daan, and Waipu Dictricts. The soil conditions of this area are ideal for taro cultivation. Waipu District is endowed with natural springs, highly pure water, fertile soil, and favorable climate conditions, which allows the cultivation of top-quality taro. Last year, the Waipu District Farmers’ Association processed its agricultural produce for the development of a taro product series with the goal of raising product value and achieving to develop a taro product series to raise product value and achieve product diversification. This year, the association unveiled its taro soft serve with a silky, creamy texture and a rich flavor that delights the palate at each lick. The Agriculture Bureau reveals that innovative and creative processed agricultural products developed from locally grown ingredients not only extend their shelf life but also strengthen their diversified use and enhance the economic value of products. These initiatives give further impetus to the development of a rising number of high-quality processed agricultural products with local characteristics and enable consumers to taste delicious citrus fruit, Asian pear, and taro products during the non-harvest season.
Mr. Shu Hung-Yee, Vice President of Hungkuang University, Mr. Lin Chun-Liang, Senior Technical Specialist, the Agriculture Bureau of Taichung City Government, Mr. Zhang Dong-Hai, Director-General of Shigang District Farmers’ Association, and Mr. Li Jin-Dong, Director-General of Waipu District Farmers’ Association, and other illustrious guests who attended today’s event contributed to its great success.
Contact person: Ms. Zhang, the Marketing and Processing division
of the Agriculture Bureau, Taichung City Government, Tel.: 04-22289111 Ext. 56505