Smaller and less sweet than normal bananas, it boasts a distinct flavor that has been attributed to the fresh mountain springs which water the banana plants. The Fuchou area has also been planted in tobacco and the popular beetle nut. Sugar cane is another crop that has earned island-wide renown.
往昔台蕉輸日景氣時，竹山香蕉也曾趕搭上列車，風評不錯；如今因香蕉輸日受挫，產量大幅跌落，居民多數改種煙草、檳榔等作物。