A winter fruit, the sand pear requires cold weather to crack its seeds for planting and needs to grow in sunny regions. Situated in the mid-tropics and having year round sunshine gives Taiwan the geographic advantage for year round sand pear cultivation.

The central region of Taiwan is the main production region for sand pears, with an elevation of 1500m above sea level. This region is colder in temperature than other areas, and fits the criteria necessary for sand pears to blossom. New Century, Fortune Water, and Abundant Water are sand pear varieties that require a higher elevation for an optimal harvest. These pears, grown high above sea level, are renowned for their quality.

With the goal of improving the sand pear's overall quality , Taiwan growers have worked tirelessly. In Taichung County during 1975, farming experts were rewarded by the successful grafting of the New Century Sand Pear's flower bud with the lower elevation's HenShan Sand Pear. The HenShan breed is the only sand pear that prospers under an 800m elevation; as a result of this successful procedure, a new type of sand pear emerged with a softer texture, sweeter taste, and less acidic flavor to compensate for the Hen Shan pear's shortcomings. The response to the Grafted Sand Pear has been phenomenal, and it is now one of the most popular sand pears currently produced in Taiwan.

Sand pears are one of Taiwan 's most competitive fruits, continually improving in quality and popularity under the guiding hands of farming experts who are constantly engaged in agricultural research and technology. Increasingly noticed for their quality and taste, mouthwatering Taiwan sand pears are experiencing a growing market of eager consumers around the globe.

Preparation / Usage
Peel the outer skin and enjoy fresh sand pears alone, with other fruits, or with ice cream as a special treat. Sand pears can also be made into jellies, dried fruit snacks, and fruit vinegars.

Production Season
Sand pear production in Taiwan occurs between May and October, with high production between July and September.

Cultivation Regions
Sand pears are produced in Miaoli, Taichung , Chiayi, Tainan , and Taitung counties of Taiwan .

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Photo: Liao Wan-Cheng