Today is the 2nd day of our 3 day week-end. It is the mid-autumn festival. A big celebration in China and other parts of Asia

Mid-Autumn Festival has agricultural roots and celebrates the bounty of the earth, not unlike the American or Canadian Thanksgiving, or the British Harvest Festival, which is held during the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox.

The Chinese version is also held during the full moon — during what many say is the brightest, prettiest full moon of the year. Its theme is nocturnal: the moon is the primary symbol, and lanterns are used to light up the night sky.

We give and received lots of moon cakes. Beautiful round cakes with different fillings insides. They are not unlike our fruitcakes and not loved by everyone but they are the tradition.

We were fortunate enough to be invited to an organic farm.
The Bio Farm as it is called is just outside Shanghai. It was started by a Taiwanese woman. She explained to me that organic farming is still very new in China and she spends a lot of time educating people about organic farming.

She is also introducing new products to the Chinese market, she is growing mint and 21 different types of basil, white eggplant, heirloom tomatoes Dutch cucumbers, oregano, rosemary. Walking through the herb garden was a very fragrant experience. After the farm tour, we were given moon cakes and rose tea made with organic roses that were growing in the Sichuan area. After the earthquake which the roses survived the farmer started making rose tea and moon cakes from rose petals and sesame seeds to raise money for earthquake relief.

When I arrived at the farm I told my colleagues that I would love to spend a week-end there and wake up in the morning and pick the vegetables from the garden and create wonderful meals. Evidently the owner heard me and she has invited me to come back and teach her team how to make a complete meal from organic produce. I can’t wait.