May 2nd Herble Farm Visit Summary
sunny duann
🌿💚 On May 2, a group of more than 20 members from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay (CCCTB) visited Vicky’s Living Foods Organic Farm for an enriching and memorable tour. The visit was personally guided by the farm owner and certified herbalist, Vicky Lin, who led us through the land she and her husband, Bernard Lin, have carefully cultivated over the past decade. Lush rows of herbs, flowers, and trees reflected both dedication and harmony with nature.
The farm grows over 200 varieties of medicinal herbs. Highlights of the day included moringa (Moringa), loquat (Loquat), red amaranth, lamb’s quarters, Chinese chives, nutgrass, zinnias, chrysanthemum greens, turmeric, mugwort, purple yam, cilantro, purple radish leaves, grapes, lotus, buckwheat, mulberries, sunflowers, and many more. We were especially fascinated to learn that nearly every part of the moringa and loquat trees—from leaves and stems to flowers, seeds, roots, and bark—can be used for teas and herbal remedies.
Vicky also shared her extensive knowledge in a well-organized format, providing detailed charts outlining each plant’s parts, properties, key benefits, usage, dosage, and precautions. As we walked through the gardens, we listened, learned, and even tasted fresh herbs straight from the الأرض—chewing on leaves like curious little rabbits, which added a playful touch to the experience. Along the way, Vicky would occasionally pick ripe cucumbers and squash and toss them to us, sparking laughter and excitement. I was lucky enough to catch a small, mature ginseng root—what a delightful surprise!
Spanning 17 acres, the farm also features free-range cattle and a large chicken coop, offering a true farm-to-table environment. If there’s such a thing as being “grounded,” this was it—standing barefoot on the soil, breathing in the fresh air, and listening to the gentle whispers of the breeze.
Lunch was thoughtfully prepared by the farm: a hearty organic beef noodle soup (with noodles made from moringa), a refreshing cucumber salad, farm-fresh tea eggs, and aromatic moringa tea. As we enjoyed the meal, we continued engaging Vicky with questions about herbal cultivation and applications, making the experience both educational and delicious.
This immersive farm visit beautifully combined nature, knowledge, and community. Everyone agreed—it was truly a rewarding and unforgettable experience. 🌱✨
