E-BOOK Wesmile _Vol 42 September

TRAVEL
COMMUNING WITH NATURE IN SAN SAI, CHIANG MAI
Oftentimes, we see the lush, green scenery
of some faraway place and we think of
getting closer to nature, experiencing it in
an intimate way. We wonder what it would
be like to truly absorb and become a part of
nature.
To answer this question, we took a
trip up north to an organic farm, one that
has allowed many happy customers to
commune with nature in their own way.
Pingphen Farm is an organic farm in San
Sai district in Chiang Mai province. The tiny
farm (just four-tenths of an acre) prioritizes
experimentation and exploration to great
results.
This innovative attitude, which extends
from field to kitchen, has allowed them to
produce and sell the highest quality organic
products, such as homemade bread and fruit
juice.
The farm also uses chemical-free,
environmentally-friendly natural materials
to create kitchen products, sold under the
brand Ping Thammachad. The products are
sold through their online channel to healthconscious
consumers across Thailand.
Each day is a new chance for Pingphen’s
team to invent new recipes. Thanks to the
farm’s freshest seasonal ingredients, the
owners have a diverse range of produce from
which to design their treats.
One example is the farm’s sweet gourd
(or “Gac”) juice. The beloved fruit is also
known as “Fruit of the Heavens” because of
its many health benefits.
Another example is their orange peel
jam, a popular product thanks to their
special cooking process. First, the right
species of orange must be chosen. Then
other factors like the thickness of the
peel, the amount of organic sugar, and
the amount of honey are also carefully
considered.
All of Pingphen Farm’s products are
labor-intensive and handmade, and as a
rule use natural processes. Their bread is
an easy example: Pingphen Farm’s loaves
are baked in earthenware and heated
by charcoal, which takes longer than
the conventional method. However, the
resulting beautiful aromas and flavorful
taste are well worth it.
Because the farm has cut out
middlemen by using a direct-to-consumer
model, they have also maintained their
independence and creative freedom as
farmers and producers.
The owners say the farm has been a
catalyst and a source of inspiration, spurring
them to constantly consider planting
other types of vegetables and fruits, if just
to broaden the range of raw materials
available.
The organic farm is in someways
an outdoor “lab” - new plants are often
cultivated and made into a variety of
different products. At the same time, the
farm sticks to principles of sustainability,
which are at the heart of working in concert
with nature.
Should you have a chance to head up
north, take a walk through Pingphen Home
in Chiang Mai and refresh your heart and
mind. It is proof life lived amongst nature is
one well lived indeed.
PINGPHEN HOME
Address: 128 Moo 2 Baan Babong, Nong
Harn Sub-District, San Sai District, Chiang
Mai 50290
Tel: 081 647 6616, 081 917 1912
E-mail: pingnature@gmail.com
Homestay: Daily and monthly rates
The farm offers workshops that teach
guests how to bake wholewheat bread in a
clay pot; make homemade butter or soaps;
prepare your garden soil; plant an organic
garden; raise earthworms; and how to raise
beneficial photosynthetic bacteria (PSB).
Advance booking is required.
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September 2018