Taiwanese Dried Pomelo Making Process: The Ending Is Not What You Think

Hello, everyone. Today, we will dive into the world of agriculture and explore the harvesting and processing of two famous tropical fruits, pomelo and oranges. Let's begin by harvesting juicy pomelos and turning them into dried pomelo. Then head over to a farm where oranges are carefully harvested and processed into pure orange juice. Let's embark on this exciting journey together. Pomelo, largest fruit in the citrus family, is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions. The process starts by selecting high-quality seeds or saplings which are carefully planted in nutrient-rich soil. The soil must have good drainage because pomelo doesn't thrive in waterlogged conditions. Farmers also ensure that pomelo fields receive plenty of sunlight as the trees need long exposure to warmth and light to grow healthily. Compared to other citrus fruits, pomelo takes longer to flower and bear fruit. Pomelo trees usually bloom between March and March and April each year, about two to three years after planting. The pure white blossoms emit a gentle fragrance, attracting insects that help with pollination. This flowering marks the beginning of fruit formation, promising a bountiful pomelo harvest. When the pomelos ripen, farmers carefully begin the harvesting process, with each pomelo being hand-picked to ensure it is not bruised or damaged. Additionally, to make it easier to pick pomelos from taller branches, farmers can use long poles with baskets attached to the ends for gentle harvesting. After being picked, the pomelos are carefully placed in baskets or crates, neatly arranged in layers and layers to prevent them from being crushed under their own weight during long-distance transport or on the way to market. At this stage, some pomelos will be sold directly at local markets, while others premium standard fruit is then sent to processing plants for various goods. Upon arrival at the factory, pomelos undergo thorough washing to clear any residual dirt from their outer rinds. Once cleaned, they move to the peeling stage, where the thick outer skin is carefully removed. Modern facilities often use advanced machinery to peel the fruit quickly, safely, and efficiently. Next, a machine cuts off both ends of the pomelo, keeping only the juicy middle section. This is the most nutritious and appealing part. This process ensures aesthetic quality while retaining the maximum nutrients for consumer health. Only the best sections are kept for use, ensuring an excellent experience for the end user. Next, the fruit is cut into smaller pieces. Any remaining bits of peel missed earlier are completely removed at this stage. The outer peel itself is never wasted. It is diced and fed into an industrial press. The peel is pressed and chopped to make jam, candies, or natural cleaners, thanks to its high essential oil content. Meanwhile, the flesh is separated from the membrane. It is then packed as segments or juiced accordingly. This delicate process preserves flavor, texture, and nutrition. Some pomelos are sent to international markets. These must meet strict standards for freshness, size, and appearance. Currently, China is the top exporter, accounting for about 70% of global exports in 2024. Before export, the fruit is packed into specialized boxes to ensure it remains undamaged during transit.