The unique red date culture of Gongguan, Miaoli

Gongguan dates are slowly ripened in the sun until ruby red. Each July, a common sight in Miaoli's Shiweiqiang is locals sun-drying red dates, which have been grown in the area for over 100 years. The unique geographical environment makes Shiweiqiang the only date-growing region in Taiwan.

In addition to eating fresh red dates, Miaoli people also put red dates into salads, fried rice and other dishes. Recently, Gongguan Farmers' Association has also actively developed special products such as red date crisps, ice cream, beer, coffee, etc., to market the region's richness and diversity and introduce the unique local culture to more people.

以下為中文對照

苗栗公館獨有的紅棗文化

將紅棗放在大太陽下熟成，轉變成為一粒粒暗紅的紅棗乾，走進苗栗縣公館鄉石圍牆，家家戶戶曬紅棗，就是這裡每年7月最常見的獨特光景。石圍牆種植紅棗的歷史已有100多年，得天獨厚的地理環境，也讓這裡成為全台唯一的紅棗專業生產區。

苗栗人除了會吃紅棗鮮果外，也會將紅棗放入沙拉、炒飯等菜餚，而近來公館鄉農會也積極開發紅棗酥、冰淇淋、啤酒、咖啡等特色產品，希望能將在地特色以更多元活潑的方式行銷，將公館獨有的紅棗文化，呈現到更多人的面前。

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