The Organic Pineapples from Nature under Mt. Dawu, Mingchuan Ecological Leisure Farm

The beautiful County Highway 185 in Pingtung is by the tall Mt.Dawu, there are many pineapple fields along the way. Mingchuan Ecological Leisure Farm, an ecological attraction where people and nature coexist, grows organic pineapples here .

The orchard owner Mr. Jianmin WU and his wife, Meilian HSIEH, are devoted to growing organic pineapples and red quinoa, together they built an environmental friendly pineapple theme farm. Mr. WU’s was born to a family which has grown pineapples for some 60 years, or 3 generations, and his father had laid the foundation growing organic pineapples by using organic fertilizers and following the safety standard of pesticide use to grow natural, authentic and tasty pineapples. He was one of the pineapple farmers whose produce first sold to Japan and won the honor of Shennong Award.

Since 2003, Mr. Wu has gradually implemented growing organic pineapples, from 200 square meters till now, 28 hectares. In 2020, all the pineapple fields owned by Mr. WU were organic certified .

Years of efforts have balanced the ecology and many animals are drawn here so that the leisure agricultural farm is designed to make room for symbiosis. The farm offers activities such as pineapple picking, parent-and-child DIY pineapple products, and they developed various of souvenirs featuring pineapples, deliberately designed the landscape of the garden and introduced different pineapple varieties, ornamental and edible, to bring energy to every corner.

On the day of our visit, the farm owner gave us an introduction of the ecology and we saw the flying black kites just looking at the sky. The black kites are the loyal watchmen, catching the rats in the pineapple fields. At night, Indian scops owls are the lookout. Each of them takes turns so that the rats are less rampant.

The ecology is rich on Mingchuan Farm- there are Taipei frog singing in the ponds at night, droves of national treasure,Taiwan Barbet and wood peckers, all kinds of butterflies and dozens of dragonflies, bees flying around, even the indicator of environmental cleanness, giant woods spiders are also on the trees weaving webs. It is a big outdoor classroom to experience nature, and there are a myriad of ecological beauties to grasp.

The farm includes various pineapple landscape, many herbs and flowers blossoming in four seasons, i.e., small-leaved Barringtonia in summer, bridal veil in winter, sandpaper vine and giant stag's horn fern, Monstera deliciosa, succulents, coffee trees, and countless plants. The canopy frame with Chinese hat plants are the most eye catching in winter because of their bright orange blossoms. The dexterous farm owner makes everything we see a pleasant view.

Besides, there is a big lawn on the farm for kids to run around and have fun. Parents can sit aside and savor the tasty pineapple snacks.

The Ecological Pond is home to Taipei frogs, all kinds of dragonflies, lotus and aquatic plants. Kids come for exploration and be small researchers, be mindful of the depth of the pond and attend to safety issues.

The farm features pineapples and the pineapple house by the lawn is conspicuous. It was built by traditional techniques, the bamboo-made main body is the structure, filled with rice husks, plaster and hemp fibers. This big pineapple installation is like a lovely cartoon, and there is information about growth process of Taipei frogs inside as well as other surprises.

We joined DIY pizza activity to let kids learn making their own pizza. The classroom is spacious, bright and clean. It can accommodate maximum 40 people, and reservation is required so the farm can get materials ready in advance.

The pizza is special because the dough is mixed with red quinoa so it looks rosy and tasty as well as high in nutrition. Following the introduction, we leveled the rosy dough evenly and put various ingredients on top of it. And the must-have is is the home grown organic pineapples from Mingchuan Farm. The pizza just came out of the oven tastes the best, the cheese with the sweet and sour pineapples are appetizing that each kid can eat a slice without problems.

After the meal, we went to the organic pineapple field and saw the growing pineapples with sun protection, wearing hats to avoid the torching sunshine. Because of sod culture, the organic pineapples are free of herbicide so that parents are rest assured when kids walking into the field.

Before leaving, make sure you bring the unique souvenirs from Mingchuan Farm home. According to pineapple’s characteristics, the dried organic pineapple makes its taste to the fullest, and there is no need to add sugar. It is naturally toasted without seasoning which makes it the most natural and tasty snack.

There is also the pineapple biscuit. The unique sweet and sour taste of Tainung 17 complements the special milky fragrance of biscuits, and a tad of rum is added to flavor. It is the most popular souvenir.

Many processed products featuring pineapples are also available, such as the pineapple cakes, pineapple jams, pineapple vinegar, pineapple Popsicles and mosquito repellents. Don’t miss the chance to bring these tasty souvenirs full of the farm’s hospitality home.

Mingchuan Ecological Leisure Farm
Add: No. 114-6, Jiayi Village, Majia Township, Pingtung County
TEL: 08-7990220
Fan page: https://www.facebook.com/mcf5168