Soil and Water Conservation quarterly publication NO.43 - Agency of Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation, MOA

Tien Mamas from the Leisure Agriculture Area, the New Meal Choices in the Farmlands

Taiwan is rich in agricultural products and known for their abundance and quality. Cuisine has always been Taiwan's source of pride as a soft power. For example, edamame exports bring in billions of dollars in "green gold" annually. Beloved fruits such as Aiwen mangoes, Golden Diamond pineapples, and Black Pearl wax apples have established a reputation for Taiwan as the fruit kingdom. Mountain villages yield vegetables throughout the four seasons, and each county has its own fishing villages and ports, providing a constant supply of fresh seafood. Hakka villages offer rice-based dishes and pickled vegetables, while indigenous communities showcase traditional wild vegetable dishes and millet wine. The diverse culinary landscape developed by different ethnic groups makes those of us living in this island nation of less than 40,000 square kilometers immensely proud and confident.

The true flavor of food lies in its close connection to the land and is enriched by the people. Since the year 2001, the Council of Agriculture has been assisting agricultural and fishing communities nationwide in establishing "Tien Mama". Following the concept of local production and consumption, "Tien Mama" develop distinctive dishes and processed foods, establishing a business model that combines health and local characteristics. As the leisure agriculture area matures and agritourism gains popularity, "Tien Mama" has become the most anticipated restaurant on the journey. In this issue, we present the unique feature "Leisure Agriculture in Winter: A Handcrafted Farm-to-Table Guide," introducing leisure agriculture area and "Tien Mama" restaurants suitable for winter travel. We hope readers can follow the scent of field dishes and savor the excellent taste of each journey. As poet Wu Sheng warmly puts it, "Please leave the study; I will take you to the vast fields, to see how the seedlings everywhere are growing vigorously, to feel the cool river irrigating the fields, to visit groups of farmers toiling hard, to appreciate the spring breeze, gently caressing the earth."