Next week, the 2025 Cross-Strait (Xiamen) Modern Agriculture Exchange Event will be held in Tong'an, showcasing the achievements of agricultural cooperation between the two sides. As the agricultural hub of Xiamen, Tong'an has become a frontline for rural integration across the strait. Over the years, an increasing number of Taiwanese farmers have chosen to settle in Tong'an, introducing premium Taiwanese fruit varieties to its fertile soil and developing distinctive agricultural industries through localized cultivation. These "fusion fruits" not only represent the deep integration of agricultural technologies but also enrich the local fruit market, offering unique picking experiences for residents and tourists alike.
From plump golden starfruit to avocadoes larger than fists and highly nutritious gac fruit, many specialty fruits introduced by Taiwanese farmers have recently entered their harvest season. Here’s a guide to these sweet cross-strait fruits.
**"Giant" Avocadoes with Creamy Texture** In recent years, avocadoes have become a staple in healthy diets due to their unique texture and rich nutritional value. Did you know that high-quality avocadoes—large in size and creamy in taste—can be found at the Guangxing Avocado Nursery Base in Yunyang Village, Tong'an?
Taiwanese farmer Gong Shiming has cultivated avocadoes in Tong'an that are notably large with smooth skin. In 2014, Gong introduced 14 avocado varieties from Taiwan to Tong'an. After years of careful selection and improvement, the base now spans 300 acres, growing 26 premium avocado varieties, making it Fujian’s most diverse avocado orchard.
"Our avocadoes are bigger than fists," Gong explained. While imported avocadoes average around 150 grams each, those from his base weigh an average of 500 grams—over three times heavier. The harvest season is currently underway and expected to last until mid-January next year.
**"Treasure" Gac Fruit Packed with Nutrients** Resembling a ball with bright orange skin covered in soft spikes, the gac fruit is a rare sight in markets. At the Guomuzhenxian Gac Fruit Integrated Development Base in Tingxi Town, Taiwanese farmer Chen Muliang has planted nearly 500 gac fruit trees, introduced from Taiwan in June 2024.
"The seeds resemble turtle shells and have a woody texture, hence the name 'gac fruit,'" Chen explained. While common in Guangxi and Yunnan, the fruit is also widely cultivated in Taiwan. This marks the second harvest season in Tong'an, with an expected yield of 8,000 kg.
Gac fruit is a "treasure fruit"—its golden flesh and red arils serve as natural ingredients for specialty juices and dishes, while its shell and seeds have medicinal uses. Rich in lycopene and beta-carotene, its lycopene content is 70 times that of tomatoes, earning it the nickname "fruit from heaven." The harvest season runs from September to December, with limited quantities still available for picking.
**Golden Starfruit in Peak Harvest Season** Fangdu Sightseeing Orchard in Zhuba is renowned for its golden starfruit and milk guavas, offering 105 acres of fruit-picking experiences. Currently, its "star product," golden starfruit, is in peak season.
"This year's yield is expected to reach 65,000 kg, similar to previous years," said Taiwanese farmer Xie Dongyou. Introduced from Taiwan and cultivated in Tong'an, golden starfruit is beloved for its high sweetness, juicy texture, and refreshing taste. The harvest season spans from October to April, divided into three picking periods, with the second currently underway.
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