The hotter, the better it tastes – say goodbye to processed ice treats and enjoy fresh, refreshing fruit-based icy delights!

Reporter Zhu XX, Taipei News

On scorching summer days, icy treats are perfect for cooling off, but concerns over processed frozen desserts have left many uneasy. For those craving something tasty yet fresh, the Taipei Expo Farmers’ Market has specially organized an extra-cool and refreshing “Taipei Fruit Ice Festival.” Featuring a wide array of fresh, agricultural-inspired ice desserts from around Taipei, such as Neihu strawberry ice cream and Muzha Tieguanyin ice cream, as well as lychee and mulberry popsicles from Daxu in Kaohsiung and sweet, juicy pineapples from Nantou.

▲ In addition to Tieguanyin ice cream and Neihu strawberry ice, Nantou’s pineapples are at peak season, offering a tangy-sweet taste that's unforgettable after being turned into ice. (Photo / Provided by Taipei City Department of Economic Development)

The hotter the sun, the sweeter the fruit. With summer fruits now in peak season, to help farmers promote their seasonal produce, the Taipei City Government has planned a refreshing “Summer Taipei Fruit Ice Festival” promotional event. It will take place on July 20 and 21 in the Long Corridor area of Yuanshan Park at the Taipei Expo. The event will feature free samples of various ice creams and popsicles made from fresh fruits, and shoppers spending over NT$300 can enter a lucky draw to win prizes such as agricultural gift packs and 3C electronics.

For those who love pineapple but fear biting into the core, don’t worry. During the hot midsummer, Nantou County is also one of Taiwan’s top fruit-producing regions. With high altitudes and large day-night temperature differences, along with abundant sunshine, summer is the peak season for pineapple production in Nantou. Varieties include the familiar “Golden Diamond Pineapple,” as well as the newly available “Golden Pineapple,” which boasts a tender, sweet taste. Additionally, Nantou offers a range of local agri-products like pineapple cakes and tea. Dozens of local farmers, invited by the Nantou County Government, have carefully crafted fresh pineapple into delightful pineapple ice, making it a perfect treat to beat the heat.

▲ Tieguanyin ice cream (left) goes head-to-head with Neihu strawberry ice – homemade fresh beats processed ice every time. (Photo / Provided by Taipei City Department of Economic Development)

Furthermore, to address public concerns about food safety in processed ice desserts, the “Agri-Learning Lecture” will teach attendees how to make their own icy treats, such as mango ice and Tieguanyin ice cream. On the same day, there will also be a promotion for Taipei’s most distinctive “Cool Summer Green Bamboo Shoot Feast One-Day Tour,” a themed travel event hosted by the Taipei City Farmers’ Association. It kicks off this Saturday and Sunday, featuring local green bamboo shoot farm instructors teaching participants how to dig up shoots. The one-day bamboo shoot digging experience is priced at NT$999, and includes a host of fun and engaging activities.