What Fruits Are Most Worth Buying Now? Taiwan's Seasonal Fruit Calendar Reveals the Best Times to Buy Cheap and Delicious Fruits

Taiwan enjoys a wide variety of fruits throughout the year, but the same fruit can differ greatly in price and flavor depending on whether it's bought in or out of season. When fruits enter their peak harvest period, market supply typically increases, giving consumers better chances to purchase affordable, well-ripened produce. However, being in season doesn't always mean lower prices—typhoons, heavy rains, yield fluctuations, demand, and distribution channels can all affect actual retail prices.

As of August 2026, bananas, papayas, guavas, large-eyed atis (sugar apple), and red dragon fruits are either in season or within their supply window, with some items projected to have higher yields than last year. These are the top fruits to prioritize when comparing prices at markets or supermarkets. This article compiles a monthly seasonal fruit calendar for Taiwan based on data from the Council of Agriculture's Agricultural and Food Agency on major fruit harvest periods and the "Fruit Production Forecast for August 2026 (Minguo 115)."

Which fruits offer the best value in August? Five to watch

Based on two criteria—being in peak season and having higher projected supply than last year—here are five fruits to prioritize in August 2026:

1. Bananas Bananas can be harvested year-round, but according to the Agricultural and Food Agency, the main production period is concentrated from April to October. The agency forecasts that Taiwan's total banana production in 2026 will reach approximately 342,916 metric tons—an increase of 20% compared to 2025 and 8% above the long-term average—indicating relatively abundant supply this year. Therefore, if you're looking for a convenient, widely accepted fruit, bananas are a top price-comparison choice in August.

2. Papayas Papayas are produced year-round, with the main summer harvest period running from March to August. The agency forecasts that 2026's summer papaya yield will be around 67,996 metric tons, a 10% increase from 2025, while the annual total is projected at 116,355 metric tons, up 14% from last year. Since August still falls within the summer papaya supply window and overall production is higher than last year, papaya lovers should compare prices across markets and supermarkets.

3. Guavas (Pisidium guajava) The official name for guava is "fan shi liu," and it's a fruit available almost year-round in Taiwan. The 2026 annual guava production is forecast at approximately 198,067 metric tons, a 16% increase from 2025. The second-half harvest (July–December) is projected at 101,060 metric tons, up 22% from the same period last year. This means August marks the beginning of the main supply phase for the second-half crop. For those seeking a durable, easy-to-eat, and widely available fruit, guavas are a solid option this month.

4. Large-Eyed Atis (Sugar Apple) Large-eyed atis isn't only a winter fruit—it can be harvested twice a year, with summer and winter crops. The summer harvest begins in July and peaks in August. According to the August 2026 forecast, summer production of large-eyed atis is expected to reach about 9,903 metric tons, a staggering 90% increase from 2025. Therefore, seeing large-eyed atis in August doesn't mean it's too early—this year's summer supply is significantly higher than last year's, so purchase decisions can be based on actual retail prices.

5. Red Dragon Fruit Through harvest period regulation, red dragon fruit is nearly available year-round, but the main harvest season still runs from June to October. The 2026 annual production is forecast at approximately 57,890 metric tons—4% below the long-term average but still 6% higher than 2025. August falls within a key production period, so shoppers should pay attention to per-kilogram prices across different vendors and retail channels.

Other seasonal fruits available in August In addition to the five listed above, according to the Agricultural and Food Agency's data on Taiwan's major fruit harvest periods, August also offers longan, Irwin mangoes, grapes, pomelo, lemons, passion fruit, avocados, pears, and persimmons—all domestically grown.

Among these, longan, lemons, avocados, and pears are in key harvest periods, while Irwin mangoes are gradually entering the later stages of their season.

However, it's important to note that being in season doesn't guarantee lower prices. For example, pomelo's main harvest period is concentrated in August and September, but the 2026 production is forecast at about 56,441 metric tons—5% lower than 2025 and 18% below the long-term average. Therefore, even during peak season, prices may remain high due to limited supply.

Taiwan Seasonal Fruit Calendar Compiled based on the Council of Agriculture's "Distribution and Major Production Areas of Major Fruits in Taiwan." Some fruits have extended availability due to different growing regions, varieties, and harvest regulation techniques. The following list highlights fruits in their main harvest period each month and worth noting—it does not mean other fruits are completely unavailable in other months.

- January: Banana, papaya, guava, wax apple, jujube, pineapple atis, citrus, ponkan, tankan, murcott, avocado - February: Banana, papaya, guava, wax apple, jujube, pineapple atis, citrus, tankan, murcott - March: Pineapple, papaya, grape, guava, wax apple, jujube, pineapple atis, tankan, murcott, plum - April: Banana, pineapple, papaya, grape, guava, wax apple, pineapple atis, tankan, murcott, plum - May: Banana, pineapple, papaya, Irwin mango, lychee, grape, guava, plum, pear - June: Banana, pineapple, papaya, Irwin mango, lychee, grape, passion fruit, red dragon fruit, avocado, pear - July: Banana, pineapple, papaya, Irwin mango, lychee, longan, grape, large-eyed atis, passion fruit, red dragon fruit, avocado, pear - August: Banana, pineapple, papaya, Irwin mango, longan, grape, guava, large-eyed atis, pomelo, lemon, passion fruit, red dragon fruit, avocado, pear, persimmon - September: Banana, papaya, longan, grape, guava, large-eyed atis, pomelo, lemon, passion fruit, red dragon fruit, avocado, pear, persimmon - October: Banana, papaya, longan, grape, guava, large-eyed atis, citrus, ponkan, lemon, passion fruit, red dragon fruit, avocado, pear, persimmon - November: Papaya, grape, guava, wax apple, large-eyed atis, citrus, ponkan, passion fruit, red dragon fruit, avocado, pear, persimmon - December: Papaya, grape, guava, wax apple, jujube, large-eyed atis, pineapple atis, citrus, ponkan, passion fruit, red dragon fruit, avocado, persimmon

What fruits to eat in spring? Pineapple and plums enter season from March to May Starting in March, winter citrus fruits gradually phase out, making way for pineapple, papaya, grapes, and plums. From April to May, banana and pineapple supplies increase, and Irwin mangoes and lychees begin to appear. According to harvest data, pineapple's main season runs from March to July, while Irwin mangoes enter their primary supply period from May onward. As late spring approaches, mango and pineapple lovers can start monitoring market prices.

What fruits to eat in summer? June to August offers the widest variety Summer in Taiwan is one of the most fruit-diverse seasons of the year, with mangoes, lychees, longans, red dragon fruits, passion fruits, grapes, pears, and avocados all peaking during this period. Irwin mangoes are in season from May to August, lychees from May to July, longans from July to October, and pears from May through year-end. June to August not only offers a wide variety but also increases the likelihood of multiple domestic fruits being abundantly available simultaneously.

What fruits to eat in autumn? Pomelo and persimmon take center stage Starting in September, summer fruits like mangoes and lychees gradually exit the market, with pomelo, persimmon, and certain pears becoming the new highlights. Pomelo has a highly seasonal peak in August and September, while persimmons are available from August through December. From October to November, citrus fruits like citrus and ponkan begin to flood the market, marking a shift from tropical summer fruits to autumn-winter citrus varieties.

What fruits to eat in winter? Citrus, wax apple, jujube, and pomelo offer seasonal charm December through February is a key season for Taiwan's citrus fruits, including citrus, ponkan, tankan, and murcott, all entering their main harvest periods. Additionally, jujube, wax apple, and pineapple atis are representative winter fruits. Jujube's main season runs from December to March, while pineapple atis is available from December to April. Winter fruit lovers should prioritize these in-season citrus, jujube, and wax apple varieties.

Are seasonal fruits always cheaper? Not necessarily. Fruit prices are influenced not only by harvest season and yield but also by typhoons, heavy rains, low temperatures, pests, regional damage, fruit size and grade, holiday demand, and retail channels. The "Fruit Production Forecast for August 2026" shows that even within peak season, supply conditions vary significantly. For example, bananas, papayas, guavas, large-eyed atis, and red dragon fruits are projected to have higher yields than 2025, but pomelo is expected to see reduced output.

Therefore, to save money, remember this simple rule: first, choose fruits that are in peak season and have relatively abundant supply; second, compare the per-kilogram price across two or three markets or retailers—don't just look at per-unit, per-bag, or per-box prices. This approach usually makes it easier to find fruits that balance price and quality.