Farmer Liu Jinyuan from the Caotun Township Farmers' Association won the grand prize in the "High-Quality Chestnut Squash Quality Evaluation."

▲ The results of the 3rd High-Quality Chestnut Squash Quality Evaluation Competition held by the Caotun Township Farmers' Association. Winners Liu Jinyuan and his wife with their award-winning chestnut squash. (Photo by Yang Shuhuang)

▲ High-quality chestnut squash cultivated by Caotun farmers under the guidance of the Caotun Township Farmers' Association. (Photo by Yang Shuhuang)

The Caotun Township Farmers' Association today, the 24th, held the "3rd High-Quality Chestnut Squash Quality Evaluation Competition." This year saw the highest number of participating farmers, with as many as 45 teams entering—15 more than last year. Organizers stated that despite this year’s variable climate, farmers’ cultivation techniques have significantly improved, resulting in generally higher-quality chestnut squash compared to last year. The evaluation results were announced, with farmer Liu Jinyuan winning the grand prize and receiving a prize of NT$15,000, which delighted him and his wife.

Xiao Zhongyu, General Manager of the Caotun Township Farmers' Association, said that in recent years, with strong promotion by the association, the chestnut squash cultivation area in Caotun has reached over 80 hectares, accounting for two-thirds of the county’s total production, making chestnut squash an emerging local agricultural specialty.

To enhance the quality of chestnut squash production, the association holds the "Beautiful Chestnut Squash Selection" event every year. Through the evaluation competition system, it encourages farmers to strengthen cultivation and management techniques, improve fruit quality, and help the public better understand the health benefits and nutritional value of chestnut squash.

The Caotun Township Farmers' Association today specially organized the High-Quality Chestnut Squash Quality Evaluation Competition and invited five experts and scholars, including Gao Dezhen, former deputy director of the Taichung Agricultural Research and Extension Station under the Council of Agriculture, to conduct a fair, open, and impartial evaluation. The winning results were announced this afternoon as follows: Grand Prize — Liu Jinyuan. First Prize — Li Wenhong. Second Prize — Shi Weiting. Third Prize — Deng Congfu, Li Yiyuan, Jian Chongde. Merit Awards — Liao Jinkai, Fan Maosong, Lin Qiaofeng.

What are the secrets to picking the best-quality chestnut squash? Professor Gao Dezhen, the chief judge for chestnut squash, revealed some tips for selecting them: look for dark green to black skin, the darker the rind and the clearer the texture, the better; the heavier, the better. The stem should be conical, not hollow or pitted, as a drier stem indicates riper, sweeter flesh. Additionally, squashes that are flatter in shape with a slightly indented base are of the highest quality. When cut open, the flesh should be golden yellow with a strong chestnut aroma.

The Caotun Township Farmers' Association also noted that this year’s chestnut squash quality evaluation specifically included GAP (Good Agricultural Practice) certification or traceability certification as bonus criteria, directly encouraging farmers to support the government’s quality assurance mechanisms for agricultural products. All competing produce passed pesticide residue testing to ensure consumer food safety. The public can purchase high-quality chestnut squash directly at the Daoxiang Fengqing Pavilion, located opposite the Caotun Farmers' Association.