The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (June 28) introduced three highlighted varieties of organic watermelons to be sold at the Local Organic Watermelon Festival.
The three highlighted varieties of organic watermelons, namely Super Sweet Black Angel 168, Diana and Yellow Orchid, were introduced from Australia, Taiwan and Thailand respectively by the AFCD in recent years. Being able to adapt well to the local environment and summer climate, and promising good yields of quality fruit of suitable sizes for small to medium-sized families, these varieties have been well received by both farmers and consumers.
Super Sweet Black Angel 168 is spherical with green striped skin, and its bright crimson-coloured flesh is very juicy. Diana is oblong in shape, and the intense red flesh encased under its bright yellow striped skin is remarkably sweet. Spherical in shape, Yellow Orchid has bright green striped skin and yellow flesh which is very crispy, juicy and sweet.
The AFCD has been promoting quality crop varieties in recent years 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. As with last year, the AFCD has also invited all regular local organic farmers' markets to join the 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 shop at these markets to support local farming.
The opening dates and times of the organic farmers' markets in late June and July are listed below:
| Farmers' market | Location | Date | Time |
| Tong Chong Street Market Pop-up Farmers’ Stall | G/F, One Island East, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay | June 25 to 29 | Noon to 6pm |
| Tai Po Farmers' Market | 12 Tai Wo Road, Tai Po | June 30 to July 2 Every Sunday in July |
9am to 5pm |
| Organic Farmers' Market @ Central | Central Pier No. 7 | Every Sunday in July | 11am to 5pm |
| Star Ferry Farmers' Market | Central Pier No. 7 | Every Wednesday in July | Noon to 6pm |
| Mei Foo Farm Fest | Under Kwai Chung Road Flyover (Mei Foo Section) | Every Sunday in July | 11am to 5pm |
| Sai Kung Organic Farmers' Market | Sai Kung Waterfront Promenade (near Sai Kung Waterfront Market) | Every Sunday in July | 11am to 5pm |
For details of the Local Organic Watermelon Festival and arrangements under inclement weather conditions, please visit www.afcd.gov.hk.
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