Press Releases

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (July 9) introduced four varieties of organic watermelon, namely yellow orchid, super sweet black angel 168, Diana and yellow siren, that will be highlighted at the Local Organic Watermelon Festival.

Yellow orchid is a new organic watermelon introduced from Thailand this year. Spherical in shape, it has bright green striped skin and yellowish green flesh which is very crispy, juicy and sweet.

Super sweet black angel 168, Diana and yellow siren were introduced from Australia, Taiwan and Vietnam respectively in recent years and have been well received by customers. Super sweet black angel 168 is spherical with green striped skin. Its bright crimson-coloured flesh is very juicy. Diana is oblong in shape and has bright yellow striped skin. The intense red flesh is very sweet. Yellow siren, also oblong in shape, has dark green striped skin and orange-yellow flesh which is juicy and crispy.

All these varieties grow well in summer in Hong Kong and yield high quality fruit.

The AFCD has been providing technical guidance on growing different varieties of watermelon to organic farmers and their response has been encouraging. In order to help farmers expand their customer network and share their crop yield with Hong Kong people, the AFCD and the Federation of Vegetable Marketing Co-operative Societies Ltd jointly organise the Local Organic Watermelon Festival on an annual basis.

This year's two-day festival will be held at Sha Tin Park Main Plaza from 10am to 4pm this weekend (July 11 and 12). Admission is free. The 43 farmers participating in the festival will showcase watermelons as well as other local premium organic produce in season.

For details of the Local Organic Watermelon Festival and arrangements under inclement weather conditions, please visit www.afcd.gov.hk.

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