Nestled in the lush landscapes of Northern Taiwan’s Hsinchu County, Hsinpu Township (新埔鎮) is renowned for its agricultural abundance, mainly its delicious fruits. Among its treasures, Xinbao Orchard (新寶果園) stands out as a must-visit destination for fruit enthusiasts. Every winter, as the citrus ripens for harvest, the orchard becomes a haven for visitors eager to experience the delights of picking the fruit. The fresh mountain breeze, infused with a citrus fragrance, sets the stage for a memorable day amidst nature.
Watch the following video on The Joy of Picking Citrus Fruits in Taiwan for further interesting images.
A bounty of citrus delights
Xinbao Orchard, also called Xinbao Leisure Farm, grows many types of citrus fruits, such as ponkan (Chinese honey orange), red-fleshed tangerine, sugar tangerine, king mandarin (citrus reticulata), zhuangyang mandarin (sunburst), and grapefruits. Starting in mid-November each year, the orchard welcomes visitors to pick their fruit.
With its Good Agricultural Practice (GAP 吉園圃標章) certification, Xinbao Orchard uses safe pesticides and organic fertilizers, ensuring the fruits are safe to eat. For NT$100 per person, visitors can enjoy picking citrus fruits, which includes credit toward the fruits they pick. Visitors can also taste the fresh fruits in the orchard with no limits.
The beauty of the citrus farm
Nestled in the rolling hills of this agricultural township, Xinbao Orchard covers an area of 3 hectares (7.4 acres) of scenic farmland. Surrounded by mountain ranges, the orchard offers fresh air, stunning views, and a serene atmosphere. Neatly arranged rows of citrus trees, their golden fruits gleaming among lush green leaves, create a picture-perfect rural landscape. Visitors can explore the orchard’s walking trails, enjoying its peaceful charm and experiencing the beauty of countryside life.
Getting to the orchard is an experience in itself. A 15-minute walk from the roadside car park, visitors can enjoy scenic views of the orchards and distinctive villa-style residences. The orchard operator offers a shuttle service that takes just five minutes for a quicker ascent. The journey, whether on foot or by shuttle, adds to the overall enjoyment of the visit. A visit to Xinbao Orchard offers an interactive citrus-picking experience. Before entering the orchard, the friendly orchard operator provides guidance on identifying ripe fruit, proper picking techniques, and handing out baskets and tools, including scissors and long-handled pruners for hard-to-reach fruits.
Hands-on fun: Picking citrus fruits by hand
Visitors can roam the orchard and select a variety of citrus fruits with vibrant colors and smooth peels. The process is exciting and rewarding, culminating in enjoying sweet, juicy, freshly picked fruit on the spot.
Tips for picking citrus fruit
Taste different varieties of citrus fruits the farm operator offers before picking to discover your favorite. Visitors can make the right choice as the orchard’s trees are labeled with different types of fruit. As the trees are not tall, children can participate with scissors under adult supervision for safety.
Look for fruits with ample sunlight and vibrant colors for the best results. When picking, cut the fruit with a stem length of about one to two centimeters to preserve its freshness and prevent damage during storage.
Take home memories and fresh fruit
Visiting Xinbao Orchard is more than just a citrus-picking excursion; it’s an immersion in rural life and natural beauty. In particular, take home a basket of your hand-picked fruit, filled with the essence of the countryside and the warmth of a day well spent.
Whether you enjoy your harvest yourself or give it to your loved ones, these fruits carry the sweet memories of your journey, so it is worth visiting the farm with family or friends during the citrus season for an unforgettable adventure full of citrus scents, joy, and the splendor of nature.
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