Miaoli taro often mistaken for Dajia's, local growers call for proper branding

By MOOK Travel & Lifestyle Network, Chen Guanxin

Miaoli County’s Gongguan Township is not only the sole producer of red dates in Taiwan, but also has over 300 hectares of taro fields with an annual output exceeding 7 million kilograms, making it the third-largest taro-producing region in the country. However, in earlier years due to the fame of Dajia taro, about 60% of Gongguan-grown taro is currently sold under the label of Dajia taro. In response, Han Hong’en, general manager of Gongguan Township Farmers’ Association, said that since two years ago, Gongguan has implemented contracted farming, gradually obtained trademark certification, passed pesticide residue-free verification, and promoted the use of packaging labeled as “Gongguan Taro” during sales. This not only helps consumers easily identify the origin, but also ensures taro quality and public food safety. In addition, Gongguan Township Farmers’ Association has collaborated with local home economics classes to develop unique taro-based desserts such as “tarot water...”, which one interviewee described as leaving a lingering pleasant aftertaste.

Miaoli County’s Gongguan Township lies between Baguashan and the Houlong River. From May to July each year, the golden flowers of the golden shower trees along Provincial Highway 6 bloom abundantly, swaying in the wind, earning the township the nickname “Golden Town.” Visiting Gongguan, you can explore the nation’s only red date production area, including third-generation old red date trees, and leisurely cycle along the town’s bike paths through villages such as Guannan Village, Fuxing Village, Fujii Village, and Shiqiang Village. In addition to visiting historical sites like the century-old Xingxiu Temple, you can also enjoy the lush farmlands and refreshing mountain scenery.

In addition, Gongguan Township Farmers’ Association spent two years renovating an old warehouse into a multi-functional leisure space called “Haoke Fang.” In collaboration with local farmers and community home economics classes, they have introduced specialty products made from local ingredients such as rum French bread with red dates, honey taro, and red date-longan rice crackers. There is also “Xianggu Rice,” which was once offered to the Japanese Emperor during the Japanese colonial period, allowing visitors to enjoy the rural scenery while savoring the flavors of Gongguan. From now until May 31, visitors who check in at Haoke Fang can participate in the on-site “Date Good Luck Spin-to-Win” event to win a limited-edition souvenir.

● Read more: Miaoli Hakka Cultural Park to Open on May 12

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