While dried fruit shares some similarities with candied fruit, the key difference lies in the production process. Dried fruit is made with minimal to no additives—at most, a touch of salt or sugar—to preserve its natural, fresh flavor. The result is a distinctly different taste and texture from candied fruit. Beyond simple dried fruit, Hakka communities produce suāngān chá (sour citrus tea) by sun-drying citrus fruits. Even the dried citrus peels find purpose in traditional Chinese medicine, where they're known as chénpí (aged citrus peel).

Three Methods: Sun-Drying, Charcoal Roasting, and Machine Drying

Taiwan's dried fruit tradition dates back centuries, centered primarily along the Hakka communities stretching from Beipu Township in Hsinchu County to Dongshi District in Taichung City along Provincial Highway 3. The Hakka people have long excelled at producing various types of dried fruit. The renowned Hakka persimmon cake—golden-hued dried persimmons—exemplifies this expertise.

According to the government's "Food and Agricultural Education" platform, Hakka families historically carried dried persimmons during their wartime migrations across China, relying on them for sustenance during their journey.

Modern technology has transformed production methods. While sun-drying once dominated, dried fruit can now be made through charcoal roasting or mechanical drying equipment. Beyond the variety of common dried fruits and Hakka persimmon cakes, Taiwan also produces dried native mango (tǔmángguǒ), popularly known as "lover's fruit" (qíngrénguǒ)all—readily available throughout the island.

The durability of dried fruit makes it ideal for export, establishing it as a significant contributor to Taiwan's fruit export industry. Advances in freeze-drying technology have further extended shelf life by removing moisture at low temperatures. In recent years, through collaborative efforts between government and producers, dried fruit production has expanded nationwide, with an increasingly diverse range of products now available.