In an effort to promote the development of leisure agriculture, enhance the innovative and healthy usage of locally-grown food ingredients, and integrate local stories, the Taitung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station (TTDARES) of the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan held its “Taitung Picnic Basket Competition” on June 22 at National Taitung College. 12 teams participated in the event. The event rules specified the use of organic ingredients such as roselles, millet, pigeon peas, Taiwan quinoa, Chinese violet, Portulaca oleracea, and fameflower. Contestants had two hours to create three snacks and one drink. After evaluation by three judges, the team from the Tian Mama Zhengyi Tea Shop (Luye Farmers’ Association) was declared the winner.
The judges were associate professors Hong Wei-ze and Zou Hui-fen from the Department of Restaurant and Hotel Management at Taitung College as well as chairperson Huang Qing-an of the Zhiben Hot Springs Tourism Development and Promotion Association. Within just two hours, contestants came up with some amazing treats, and with their unique stories, onlookers could not help but drool in anticipation. There was a tie for second prize between Lijia Chuzou (Taitung Farmers’ Association) and the home economics class of the Guanshan Farmers’ Association. Third place went to Highway 11 Flower Fields (Chenggong Farmers’ Association), the Donghe Farmers’ Association, and the Tian Mama Healthy Restaurant (Chishang Farmers’ Association). The remaining contestants (Bayang Amis, Egy Vilàg, Pu-men Senior High School, the Chalami Home Economics Class from Taimali, Autumn Fragrance Handmade Steamed and Stuffed Buns, and the Changbin Farmers’ Association) received creativity awards.
The TTDARES plans to compile all the recipes created during the contest into a booklet so as to promote uniquefood made from organic ingredients and drive the leisure agriculture industry in Taitung’s rural areas. The book may be used by those involved in the tourism, dining, and B&B industries.
