Donghai Organic Lime Orchard

Upon arriving at the coastal area of Zhubei, follow the signs for Provincial Highway 15 (West Coast Highway) and turn onto Gangan Street. You will then discover the Donghai Lime Orchard, cultivating over a hundred fruit trees, nestled within a green hedge wall surrounded by rice paddies. From June to October each year, limes are in their peak season. The green fruits can be harvested as they gradually turn yellow on the branches. During this period, visitors can make reservations to enter the orchard and enjoy fruit picking. A healthy lime tree can produce approximately 200 limes. Currently, limes are not as well-known as lemons in Taiwan. However, the limes from Donghai Lime Orchard are large, have thick skin and abundant flesh, are naturally non-toxic, and entirely edible. This often draws visitors from far and wide to experience the joy of fruit picking. Beyond fruit picking, visitors are also guided to the 'Lime Vinegar Vault' in the basement, which houses hundreds of jars of fruit vinegars from different vintages, including some aged for 20 years. The mellow and fragrant taste of this 'black gold' makes it a priceless treasure of the lime orchard. Visitors can also reserve DIY lime vinegar making classes. The flavor of lime vinegar primarily comes from the maturation of lime fruits and rice vinegar. The ingredients and method are simple: wash one organic lime, thoroughly air-dry it, then cut off both ends and slice it into 6 to 8 pieces. Finally, place the fruit slices, rock sugar, and rice vinegar in a 1:1:1 ratio into a clean glass bottle. Store it in a cool, dark place for over a year for the smoothest flavor. After taking their lime vinegar home, visitors can observe the color changes daily and periodically shake the bottle to ensure all lime slices are thoroughly immersed in the vinegar solution, thereby preventing the fruit from spoiling. The longer it steeps, the milder the lime's acidity becomes, ultimately leaving a rich and mellow flavor in the fruit vinegar. Lime vinegar is an alkaline food, gentle and not pungent. When consuming, it can be diluted with water according to personal preference, or flavored with honey or brown sugar. It can be enjoyed hot or cold. For those who can't wait, bottled lime vinegar is available for direct purchase, along with various related products such as dried limes and frozen lime juice cubes, making them suitable for both gifting and personal use. Admission to Donghai Lime Orchard is free. The fruit-picking experience is charged by weight based on the actual quantity picked, and advance telephone reservation is required. As the orchard environment is natural, it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare sunscreen and mosquito repellent to fully enjoy exploring the lime orchard and the pleasure of fruit picking.