In Hawaiian Gardens, Los Angeles County, “Farmer Liao,” Liao Dasheng, has gained some fame for operating a “vegetable garden” in his own backyard spanning over 600 square meters. Not only is he well-known in Southern California, but also Taiwanese immigrants are willing to travel from as far as Florida and Seattle to buy fruits from their homeland. On Friday, September 27th, Consul General Ji Qinyao from the Los Angeles Economic and Cultural Office visited Liao Dasheng’s backyard to experience the “Taiwanese” vegetable garden and taste fruits and snacks.
Having worked in horticulture in Los Angeles for 25 years, Liao Dasheng, a Taiwanese immigrant in his late sixties, still full of vigor, is fondly referred to as “Farmer Liao” by his gardening friends. He has neatly organized his backyard and planted Taiwanese specialties such as wax apples, guavas, and dragon fruits, along with seasonal vegetables. Liao Dasheng chuckled, saying, “Every winter, Taiwanese hot pot is always in high demand with tong ho.”
While California grapes and plums are renowned, it’s not easy to grow tropical fruits like wax apples and guavas. However, Liao Dasheng has not only succeeded in cultivating delicious wax apples and guavas in totally different climate and soil conditions but has also been researching pollination and propagation techniques to grow various dragon fruit varieties.
To care for the delicate wax apples, which are sensitive to cold and impact, Liao Dasheng meticulously covers each fruit with a “jacket” and regularly irrigates them with environmentally friendly enzymes and organic fertilizers made from milk, coffee grounds, eggshells, taking a year to prepare. This is why his wax apples are large and sweet. Liao Dasheng proudly states that the sweetness of his “Black Sugar Barbie” wax apple variety can reach up to 18 degrees, rivaling the sweetness of golden diamond pineapples, aiming to let American compatriots taste authentic Taiwanese fruits.
Almost all of Liao Dasheng’s fruits and vegetables hardly have a chance to hit the market before they are all pre-ordered as soon as they ripen in the vegetable garden, spread through social media platforms or word of mouth. Engaging in horticulture not only helped Liao Dasheng find a second career in America but also made him feel the happiest serving his compatriots and making friends. Many gardening enthusiasts seek Liao Dasheng’s advice on cultivation techniques, and he generously shares his knowledge. Many customers who buy fruits and vegetables have become good friends of Liao Dasheng and his family.
Liao Dasheng’s wife not only helps with farming but also, due to her excellent cooking skills, prepares zongzi and mooncakes for festivals like Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, comforting many Taiwanese expatriates longing for home. Later, Mrs. Liao also made other Taiwanese snacks like meatballs and sausages, giving Taiwanese immigrants a chance to enjoy their favorite foods.
Ji Qinyao expressed that the Liao couple has brought Taiwan’s high-quality agricultural technology and fruits to the United States, and their lush vegetable garden makes one feel like they are in a Taiwanese countryside estate. It’s rare for the general public to find wax apples in the American market, but Liao Dasheng has showcased the diligence and dedication of Taiwanese people, helping more American consumers understand and appreciate Taiwanese agricultural products. Ji Qinyao encourages young people interested in agriculture to join this field as it is not only a good profession but also a way to promote Taiwanese values. ◇