Hometown Linwei Introduction
My hometown, Linwei, is one of the new ventures of Brother Chen, the current owner of Yongfutang. Brother Chen mentioned that after struggling for a long time in mainland China, he looked back and realized that Taiwan is the place he wants to work hard in for a long time. After returning to Taiwan, he wondered what he could do, and he happened to see a piece of land overgrown with weeds at his home, which he decided to cultivate with hibiscus. The story of "Hometown Linwei" dates back nearly 170 years to "Yongfutang," which is the oldest building in Jiji Township. When Brother Chen returned to his hometown, memories of carefree childhood activities such as catching loaches in the fields, fishing for frogs, roasting sweet potatoes, capturing crickets, and chasing butterflies awakened the idea of returning home after many years away, solidifying his belief in starting anew. With a focus on natural, hometown flavors, Brother Chen began to learn and diligently practice cultivation after various explorations. Not only did he ensure that the source of the ingredients was trustworthy and visible, but he also felt safe consuming what he grew. Beyond cultivating non-toxic organic hibiscus, he developed products such as hibiscus pastries, cookies, juices, and jams, known as the "Tears of the Goddess"! At "Hometown Linwei" in Jiji, there are also DIY activities for picking hibiscus flowers and making jams and pickled products. This time, the ruby jam refers to the hibiscus; once made from the home-grown hibiscus flowers, its subtle floral aroma is already enchanting. The refreshing taste makes it irresistible, and when enjoyed with rice crackers, it creates a simple yet delightful afternoon tea experience.
