By MOOK Travel Life Chen Guanxin, reporting
Miaoli County’s Gongguan Township is not only the sole production area of red dates in Taiwan, but also has over 300 hectares of taro cultivation, yielding more than 7 million kilograms annually, 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 name of Dajia taro. In response, Han Hong’en, secretary-general of Gongguan Township Farmers’ Association, stated that since two years ago, Gongguan has implemented contract farming, gradually obtained trademark certification and passed pesticide-free residue verification. They also promote the use of packaging labeled as “Gongguan Taro” when selling, which not only makes it easy for consumers to identify the origin but also ensures taro quality and food safety for the public. In addition, the Gongguan Township Farmers’ Association has collaborated with local home economics classes to develop signature taro dishes such as taro water, taro rice cake, and “fragrant taro feast,” telling reporters that visitors can taste the unique flavors here.
The water in Gongguan is rich in lime, and the soil is mineral-rich, resulting in the large, plump betel nut-heart taro having a rich and creamy taste. (Photo by MOOK Travel Life Chen Guanxin)
Miaoli County’s Gongguan Township lies between Bajiao Mountain and the Houlong River. From May to July each year, the golden yellow flowers of the golden shower trees bloom along both sides of Provincial Highway 6, swaying in the breeze amid lush greenery, earning the area the nickname “Golden Town.” When visiting Gongguan, you can explore the nation’s only red date production area and see third-generation old red date trees. You can also leisurely cycle along the town’s bike paths, visiting villages such as Guannan, Fuxing, Fujih, and Shiqiang. In addition to sightseeing spots like the century-old Xingxiu Temple, you can also enjoy a healthy lifestyle amid the green farmland and refreshing mountain scenery.
Top image: The cool breeze brought in by the NiuDou Gorge creates a large day-night temperature difference, ideal for red date growth. Bottom image: The red date tree in the photo is the oldest in Gongguan, originally planted by the first generation in 1875, then moved by the second generation and has now been growing for nearly 60 years. (Photo by MOOK Travel Life Chen Guanxin)
In addition, the Gongguan Township Farmers’ Association spent two years renovating the old warehouse, transforming it into a复合式 leisure space called “Haoke Fang” (Hospitality Workshop). In collaboration with local farmers and community home economics classes, they have launched special products made with local ingredients, such as rum French bread with red dates, honey taro, and red date-longan rice crackers. There is also the “Xianggu Rice,” which was once offered to the Japanese emperor during the Japanese colonial period, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the rural scenery while also tasting the deliciousness of Gongguan’s ingredients. From now until May 31st, simply check in at Haoke Fang to participate in the on-site “Date Good Luck Check-in Lottery” event and receive a limited-edition souvenir.
The Gongguan Township Farmers’ Association, in collaboration with local farmers and home economics classes, has launched special foods based on Gongguan ingredients, including the highly appealing red date-longan rice crackers loved by both adults and children. (Photo by MOOK Travel Life Chen Guanxin)
● Read more: Miaoli Hakka Cultural Park to Open on May 12
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