"Salted Crispy Chicken"
Bokunofarm Julin Organic Farm
Introduction
The planting of basil encompasses an area of about 150 hectares in Taiwan, of which Pingtung alone accounts for more than half. Pingtung’s climate exceeds 18 degrees all year round, there is almost no cold damage, and there is no issues with water shortage, which is very suitable for the growth of basils. The “Bokunofarm Julin Organic Farm” located in Wandan, Pingtung, is an expert in production. Here, the basil is known by another name – “Taiwan Basil”. The owner of the farm, Lady Huang, has been planting “Taiwan Basil” for 25 years. There are various types of basil grown on the farm. In addition to the “Taiwan Basil” commonly known as basil, there is also the “Holy basil” she obtained from abroad. This variety is a common sight in the households of India. It is used for both medicine and food. It is known as the “Holy Basil”, and she is the only one who has successfully grown it in Taiwan. Hence, Lady Huang has earned herself the title “Lady Basil”.
“Maybe it’s called a JiuChenTa (nine-story pagoda) because the layers of the flowers resemble a pagoda when they bloom!” she says. “Taiwan Basil” can be differentiated according to the color of the stem, “red bone” and “white bone”. In Pingtung, “red bone” is more common. The strong aroma makes it a suitable ingredient for cooking. In addition to the traditional “Taiwanese Basil”, there are also “Italian sweet basils” eaten raw in salads, the “aromatic basil” with anti-mosquito and anti-itching properties, and the “holy basil” that has been successfully cultivated in recent years and has huge potential in various uses. When you make an appointment to visit, you can actually experience the picking process yourself and become a farmer for a day.
Characteristics
Herbal/Dyeing Plants
The “Pine Nut Basil Sauce” made from organic basil leaves, olive oil, pine nuts, and cheese, can be eaten with rice, noodles, or stir-fried. The four-flavored tea bags made from holy basil, wolfberry, mint, apple and citrus have been awarded 2 stars out of 3 in the ITQI Belgian Flavor Evaluation. Pingtung’s specialty souvenirs in 2019 and 2020 are very popular among consumers.
Tourists can generally visit as long as they make an appointment. There are basil ecological teachings and hand-picking experiences, and handmade soap, facial cleansing mousse and pure dew essential oil to make. You can also sample basil-flavored meals, and moon peach, fruit trees, and others are also grown on the farm. Ancient wells and waterwheels help visitors fully immerse in the atmosphere of rural life.
