The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (June 28) introduced four varieties of organic watermelons as well as seasonal farm produce that will be highlighted at the Local Organic Watermelon Festival.
 
     The four varieties of organic watermelons, namely New Orchid, Yellow Orchid, Diana and Super Sweet Black Angel 168, were introduced from Taiwan, Thailand and Australia by the AFCD in recent years. In particular, New Orchid from Taiwan is newly introduced this year. Being able to adapt well to the local environment and summer climate, and promising good yields of quality fruit of suitable sizes for modern small to medium-sized families, these varieties have been well received by both farmers and consumers.
 
     New Orchid, spherical in shape, features green skin with stripes and yellowish orange flesh which is tender and refreshing. Also spherical in shape, Yellow Orchid has bright green striped skin and yellow flesh which is very crispy, juicy and sweet. Diana is oblong in shape, and the intense red flesh encased under its bright yellow striped skin is remarkably sweet. Super Sweet Black Angel 168 is spherical with green striped skin, and its bright crimson-coloured flesh is very juicy.
 
     Apart from watermelon, a mini wax gourd and a bitter gourd, namely Mini Jade and Moon Beauty respectively, are also the crops of the season. With its tender flesh and suitable size, Mini Jade is perfect for making winter melon soup, a must-have for relieving the heat of summer. Moon Beauty stands out with its pure white skin. It is able to fruit well, and its rich and crispy flesh does not come with a bitter taste.
 
     The AFCD has been promoting quality crop varieties and providing technical guidance to organic farmers on growing watermelon and other crops with a view to strengthening the sustainability of local agriculture. In order to help farmers expand their network of customers and share their harvests with Hong Kong people, the AFCD has been organising the Local Organic Watermelon Festival on an annual basis since 2007. This year, local organic farmers' markets have been invited by the AFCD to join this event. Local organic watermelon as well as other seasonal farm produce will be sold in each farmers' market starting from late June. Members of the public are welcome to visit the markets and make purchases.
 
     The opening dates and times of the organic farmers' markets in late June and July are listed below:
 

Farmers' market	Location	Date	Time
Tai Po Farmers' Market	12 Tai Po Tai Wo Road	June 30 July 1 and every Sunday	Noon to 8pm 9am to 5pm
Central Farmers' Market	Central Pier No. 7	Every Sunday	11am to 5pm
Star Ferry Farmers' Market	Central Pier No. 7	Every Wednesday	Noon to 6pm
Mei Foo Farm Fest	Under Kwai Chung Road Flyover (Mei Foo Section)	Every Sunday	11am to 5pm
Tong Chong Street Market Mobile Farmers' Truck	G/F, Dorset House and One Island East, Taikoo Place	July 26	11am to 6pm

 
     For details of the Local Organic Watermelon Festival and arrangements under inclement weather conditions, please visit www.afcd.gov.hk.

Ends/Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Issued at HKT 14:22

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