Yunlin daughter-in-law cultivates Australian tea trees, creating local essential oils with a 'Yunlin flavor'

Yunlin's Yunlin Township is now fragrant with more than just garlic and peanuts. Yunlin daughter-in-law Yun Hui-ru has returned to her husband's hometown to cultivate Australian tea trees, developing local essential oils and related products. The 39-year-old, originally from Pingtung, found a connection to Yunlin through her marriage. After returning to Yunlin, she adapted quickly to the agricultural environment. Wanting to cultivate something unique, she turned to her interest in essential oils, particularly tea tree oil. Inspired by visions of Australian tea tree plantations, she began experimenting eight years ago in Yunlin's Yuanzhang Township. With family support, she planted over 200 Australian tea trees on her own land. Yun Hui-ru found that Yuanzhang's soil, location, and climate are ideal for tea cultivation. The trees tolerate waterlogging and thrive with adequate watering, provided they are protected from strong winds. Once the trees were growing well, she invested in a large 200-liter distillation unit to extract essential oils. Each distillation process, using leaves from six tea trees, takes three to four hours to yield just 150 milliliters of oil. She notes that the essential oil's scent varies based on the growing environment, attributing the unique aroma of her product to its Yunlin origin. Beyond essential oils and hydrosols, she has developed lotions and serums. Yun Hui-ru plans to offer aromatherapy workshops in August at the County Cultural Affairs Bureau to introduce the local Yunlin-origin tea tree essential oils to the public.

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The Australian tea trees from Yunlin's Yuanzhang have a 'Yunlin flavor'.