Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, compiled and reported by Chen Guanxin
Vibrant and colorful golden needle flowers bloom every year in August and September, creating breathtaking landscapes that attract countless visitors eager to witness the magnificent golden seas of flowers on the mountains. The 2013 Golden Needle Flower Season will officially kick off on August 1. In addition to admiring the vast fields of golden needle blossoms and sampling sulfur-free golden needle dishes, the Fuli Farmers' Association has also launched flower-viewing tour packages during the season. For just NT$888, you can enjoy a one-day trip to the Shiliushi Mountain in Fuli to feast your eyes on the golden needle sea, and then head to the organic rural community—Luoshan Organic Village—to experience natural ecological sights such as mud volcanoes and waterfalls.
The Hualien Golden Needle Flower Season kicks off on August 1, and the beautiful seas of golden needle flowers covering the mountains and valleys will once again captivate visitors’ hearts. (Photo provided by Hualien County Government)
Hualien has long been known for its beautiful mountains and waters. The Chike Mountain and Shiliushi Mountain, which together cover an area of 443 hectares, are the homeland of golden needle flowers. Every August and September, the golden flowers swaying on the mountains create unforgettable views. While promoting leisure agriculture, the Hualien County Government also emphasizes sustainable land use. It has implemented a subsidy policy encouraging farmers not to harvest golden needle flowers, thus boosting tourism. For example, in 2013, the preserved flower areas on Chike Mountain and Shiliushi Mountain exceeded 70 hectares.
Fuli County Magistrate Fu Kun-chi stated that the no-harvest golden needle flower subsidy policy has entered its third year. Hualien now boasts the largest area of golden needle flower seas in Taiwan. Every year during the Golden Needle Flower Season, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to Hualien. This year’s Golden Needle Flower Season runs from August 1 to September 25. With the mutual promotion of agriculture and tourism, visitors can not only admire the stunning golden needle flower seas but also enjoy safe, sulfur-free golden needle dishes. Additionally, the Fuli Township Farmers’ Association offers golden needle flower viewing experiences and travel packages on Shiliushi Mountain, including flower sea tours, special golden needle bento meals, and fun farm experiences. Spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up early.
Every year during the August–September Golden Needle Flower Season, many photography enthusiasts flock to Hualien for this pilgrimage-like experience. (Photo provided by Hualien County Government)
When it comes to choosing golden needles, what are some tips for identification? Zhang Zhichao, Director of the Agriculture Department of Hualien County Government, says the public can follow three key principles when selecting healthy dried golden needle products: “look,” “smell,” and “touch.” Dried golden needle products that are overly bright in color usually have higher sulfur dioxide residue. A simple way to judge is to look at the color at the tips of the dried golden needles—sulfur-free golden needles typically have slightly light brown or blackish tips due to the natural melanin residue from the stamens. Moreover, sulfur-free golden needles should feel dry to the touch. Sticky-feeling golden needles may be damp, moist, or contain too many additives. Sulfur-free golden needles should also have a faint floral aroma, without any sour or chemical odors.
Methods for Identifying Golden Needles
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Golden Needles with Excessive Sulfur Dioxide
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Safe Golden Needles
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Sulfur-Free Golden Needles
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Sulfur Dioxide Content
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Greater than 4,000 ppm
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Less than 4,000 ppm
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0 ppm
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Production Method
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Processed by soaking in high doses of sulfites followed by sun drying
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Processed by fumigating with standard doses of sulfites followed by drying or sun drying
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Sterilized and blanched with high-temperature steam, then immediately hot-air dried to avoid dust contamination and ensure hygiene
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Shelf Life
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Over 1 year (at room temperature)
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About 6–8 months (at room temperature)
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About 3–6 months (at room temperature)
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Identification Method
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Unnaturally bright color, with even the tips of the golden flowers appearing vivid golden yellow
Dark brown color (commonly referred to as imported port needles, due to poor processing techniques)
Strong pungent or sour smell
Sold in large packages by weight
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Color not overly bright (nor dull)
The tips of the daylilies show a light brown or light black color.
A faint floral fragrance
To prevent oxidation, they are usually packaged in small portions.
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The color is less vibrant (but not dull)
The tips of the daylilies show a light brown or light black color.
A faint floral fragrance
To prevent oxidation, they are usually packaged in small portions.
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● Read more: Hualien Hot Air Balloon Festival opens on June 22 with free afternoon experiences
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