Homegrown
Nirwan Moktan rolls up his sleeves and looks for fresh local produce
Hong Kong has 2,500 farms. With so many health scares coming from mainland produce, why not try some of our homegrown goodies?
Farms
The Organic Farm, Kam Tin
The Organic Farm offers naturally, organically grown seasonal vegetables throughout the year. The farm has a “Veggie Van” that delivers its greens to homes throughout Hong Kong from phone, fax or online orders.
Produce highlights: Melons and peas in summer, sweetcorn in autumn and carrots and potatoes in winter.
The Organic Farm, D.D. 113 Ho Pui Tsuen, Kam Tin, 2483-9966, www.organic-farm.com.
Kadoorie Farm and Botanical Garden, Kam Tin
Although the Kadoorie Farm and Botanical Gardens might be better known today for their conservation efforts, it remains a farm where visitors can buy local produce every Sunday and public holiday – but check ahead as they are periodically closed.
Produce highlights: Cauliflower, eggplant and different cabbages. The farm’s most popular produce is actually the honey – but, again, check ahead before planning a visit as it is only sold once every two years.
$10 entry. Kadoorie Farm and Botanical Garden, Lam Kam Rd., Tai Po, 2488-1317, www.kfbg.org.hk. Take bus 64K toward Yuen Long West from Tai Po Market or Tai Wo KCR station.
Herboland, Lamma
After discovering their passion for farming, Gary Tse Yau-chit and Gavin Yu Ka-fai gave up their design careers to set up the city’s first organic herb farm on Lamma Island. Herboland offers over 30 different types of herbs that can be bought fresh, dried or as a cup of tea. If you book ahead you can also participate in a Herbo Workshop to learn organic farming techniques and herbal tea brewing.
Produce highlights: Herbs include mountain mint, rosemary and calendula flower. Fresh passion fruit, mandarin and strawberry jam is available seasonally.
Herboland, Hung Shung Ye Beach, Lamma, 9094-6206 (Gary), groups.msn.com/herboland.