Saturday, December 26, 2009
A Trip to Oh Chin Huat Hydroponic Farm
In the study of ecology, Oh Chin Huat Hydroponics Farm would definitely come to mind. Being one of the only hydroponics farms operational in Singapore, a visit to the hydroponics farm would indefinitely be an educational trip for one.
Hydroponics is a type of farming that effectively maximizes space to increase yield and is done through the usage of mineral nutrient solutions without planting the crops in soil.
At the Oh Chin Huat Hydroponics Farm, one can find a vast variety of vegetables, herbs and spices that contribute to a certain level of Singapore’s self-sustenance.
On a guided tour, one would be educated about the various types of vegetables, herbs and spices that are cultivated in this farm. Whilst some are familiar, there might be a handful of them that are new to you; this is due to the fact that hydroponics allows cultivation of crops without the handicaps of seasonality and climate. One can be delighted at the sight of fresh herbs and spices, contrary to the dried or preserved versions.
Next up is the yummiest part of the tour, the actual tasting of these various types of fresh and uncooked vegetables, herbs and spices. The fact that Oh Chin Huat Hydroponics Farm rules out the use of pesticides signals the possibility of eating them straight from the plant, and you will be surprised at how some vegetables that you are so accustomed to at home, can have a whole new taste when it is raw.
Melons straight from the vines were on the tasting menu
Yellow and red tomatoes were the main anti-oxidants on the sample list
Ever wondered how butterhead lettuce tastes when raw?
The last item on the list would be getting to know how hydroponics vegetables are grown in the farm. After a brief stroll, one would arrive at the nursery greenhouse, where all the vegetables are grown. Here, one would learn that the traditional soil has been replaced by sponges soaked with mineral nutrient solution that has been scientifically engineered to improve quality of the crop.
After a ‘fruitful’ day touring the farm, at the end of the tour, you would be led to a mini-market in the compound where the vegetables that you have tasted are sold, and at a relatively reasonable price at that. Also, you can try your hand at growing your own herbs and spices by purchasing the variety of potted herbs and spices that are also vended here at the mini-market.
Lemon balm and fennel are amongst the potted herbs on sale
At the end of the day, what you would have had an enriching time as well as a greater understanding about these plants that we eat from day to day.
http://203.116.88.76/ohfarm/content/ohfarm/gallery/OurGalleryPage6.html
http://eastcoastlife.blogspot.com/2006/05/oh-chin-huat-hydroponics-farm.html
