Wing, the founder of Euror Organic Farm, a new immigrant from Hong Kong, has gradually integrated into the local community in the four years since he moved to the UK. Through the unique British Allotment scheme and connections with local residents, he has been able to realize his dream of bringing Hong Kong’s culinary culture to the UK. This has allowed more Hong Kong friends to taste familiar flavors and promote exchange among new immigrants. As spring approaches, Euror Organic Farm has launched a new “Blossoming Shark Fin Melon Plan,” hoping to introduce organic farming culture to more families and deepen the connection between Hong Kong immigrants and the British community.
Yellow Wing and his family have been immigrated to the UK for over four years. Before moving, Wing didn’t plan on rediscovering the life of a farmer in the UK. However, fate seemed to have other plans as he stumbled upon some vegetable patches during his familiarization period in the UK. He discovered that these were part of the government’s Allotment scheme, where residents can apply for land to cultivate for personal use without profit, following the UK’s long-standing policy of self-sufficiency.
The history of Allotment dates back to the 18th century when it was introduced to alleviate the livelihood issues of poor farmers. Over the years, it has evolved into a vital communal resource, particularly in urban fringe areas. Unlike Hong Kong’s short-term lease “Gaa Tzai Tin,” Allotments in the UK are usually for long-term use and can even be passed down through generations, ensuring continuity in farming techniques and lifestyle, thereby enhancing crop yield and quality.
Yellow Wing shared his interest in applying for an Allotment community plot, but he was surprised to learn that there was a five-year waiting list. However, through a stroke of luck, he got the opportunity to work as a volunteer at Allotment after interacting with locals at farmer markets. Demonstrating his planting skills, he gained early approval to access an experimental field within a year.
The field serves as a testing ground where Wing experiments with different crops, observes their growth, and preserves seed varieties. The produce is shared with friends and donated to neighbors for consumption, promoting self-sustainability and community engagement. Through Allotment, he has connected with farmers from various countries, exchanging planting experiences and agricultural practices.
The Shark Fin Melon, also known as Winter Melon or Wax Gourd, piqued Wing’s interest due to its unique characteristics. While relatively rare in Hong Kong due to limited space and slower growth, it thrived in the UK’s climate. Wing decided to grow this unconventional crop in his experimental field and successfully cultivated a hundred plants. Collaborating with local Hong Kong restaurants, he explored diverse recipes to showcase the gourd’s versatility and promote the “Farm to Table” concept.
With its sweet taste and cooling properties, the Shark Fin Melon is versatile in various dishes and soups. Wing discovered its culinary potential through collaborations with local Hong Kong eateries, showcasing its adaptability in different cooking styles. The seeds, rich in nutrients, can also be roasted as a healthy snack.
In the spirit of community engagement, Wing has launched the “Blossoming Shark Fin Melon Plan,” offering melon seedlings to a hundred families for cultivation. He believes this initiative not only shares food but also fosters community unity. Beyond culinary exchanges, he aims to raise awareness of environmental conservation and sustainable living through partnerships with eco-organizations, turning the project into a symbol of marine conservation.
Yellow Wing’s agricultural journey in the UK serves as a cultural bridge between Hong Kong immigrants and the British community, enriching the fabric of society with shared experiences and culinary delights. The cultivation of each melon plant not only tantalizes taste buds but also weaves a tapestry of emotional connections and cultural exchanges, strengthening the bond between Hong Kong immigrants and the British community. ◇