Hello everyone! Each week, correspondent brings you highlights from the market and stories from our producers.
Are you a coffee lover? The cool, shaded hills of Yunlin and Chiayi are ideal for growing coffee beans. But did you know that the flavor of the beans and the best roasting method can vary depending on where they're grown? For example, Gukeng coffee and Alishan coffee each have their own unique characteristics—come find out what sets them apart!
Gukeng coffee is grown right along the Tropic of Cancer, an area with ideal conditions for cultivating coffee. Thanks to this natural advantage, large-scale planting began as early as the Japanese colonial era. Gukeng beans are known for their smooth, non-bitter taste, often with hints of citrus and peach.
These flavor notes make Gukeng coffee well-suited for light roasts, which highlight its floral aromas and bright acidity.
Shibi Qing Farm is nestled in Caoling, Gukeng, at an elevation of around 1,300 metersmaking it the highest mountain village in Yunlin. Surrounded by lush greenery, the farm stands out for its commitment to natural farming: no pesticides, no herbicides. Every crop is carefully nurtured by Brother Liang-Du and Sister Pin-Xiu, who believe that the best way to care for their fields is through patience and presence, not intervention.
Their coffee beans grow under this attentive, hands-off philosophy and have earned recognition in Yunlin’s Specialty Coffee Bean Awards for two consecutive years. The beans are known for their smooth profile and citrusy aroma, often enjoyed as a light roast to showcase their delicate character.
From planting and harvesting to shelling, sorting, sun-drying, and roasting—every single coffee bean is carefully handcrafted with dedication.
Mr. Guo grows his coffee at an elevation of 650 meters, in Guilin Village at the foot of Dajianshan in Gukeng. His farm is rich in biodiversity and was officially certified by Tsu-Xin Organic Certification in 2023 for its commitment to ecological conservation.
With a deep passion for the land, Mr. Guo is devoted to sharing the true essence of Gukeng coffee. Many visitors come to the farm not only to taste the coffee but also to hear stories from Mr. Guo and his wife about their eco-friendly farming practices. As he often says, “If I wouldn't drink my own coffee, how could I serve it to others?”
Alishan, once renowned primarily for its tea, has also joined Taiwan’s growing coffee movement as more people develop a taste for coffee. Thanks to its high elevation and wide temperature swings between day and night, Alishan offers ideal conditions for coffee plants to grow slowly and develop rich, complex flavors.
Today, alongside Gukeng, Alishan has become one of central Taiwan’s key coffee-producing regions.
Ashe's coffee beans are grown in Zhuqi, where the moderate elevation and climate create ideal conditions for producing smooth, well-balanced coffee. The flavor is gentle, with no bitterness or sharp acidity—just a subtle, lingering charm.
If you're curious about coffee but hesitant because of its typical bitterness or sour notes, Ashe’s beans are a great place to start. And when you visit, Chun-Cheng will brighten your day with his warm, humorous storytelling, turning your coffee-tasting experience into a joyful one.
The Agri-Market is a welcoming space where eco-friendly farmers and consumers come together. Through this platform, San-Siao Market and many local farmers share the values of sustainable, eco-friendly farming. It's more than just buying and selling— conversations and connections bring warmth and meaning to every product.
If you're visiting Yunlin on Sunday, be sure to stop by Yunzhong Street and join us at the Agri-
Market! You'll meet passionate producers and discover all kinds of thoughtful, quality goods
