Frequently Asked Questions
1/ Why are the sponsored orange trees 6–7 years old?
It takes approximately 3 years from seedling cultivation to grafting an orange tree. By the third year, the trees are transplanted in batches to different bases within the orchard, where they require time and care to establish themselves. To preserve the trees' nutrients, the farmers remove the flower buds to temporarily delay fruiting, allowing the trees to adapt to their environment and accumulate sufficient nutrients to improve fruit quality. As a result, trees aged 6–7 years are able to yield consistently high-quality, full-bodied Worange.
2/ How many fruits can a tree yield? What happens if the harvest exceeds 216 fruits?
Based on past experience, although the trees are pruned and tended to regularly, the number of fruits produced is influenced by various factors such as environmental conditions, weather, temperature, and pests. The average yield is approximately 200+ fruits per tree. Historical records show that a sponsored tree has yielded as many as 300 fruits and as few as 30.
Nevertheless, as a token of appreciation for sponsors' support, Zhan Xiang Orchard guarantees that each sponsor will receive a harvest of 216 fruits. Should a tree fall short of this number, the orchard will make up the difference.
In addition, the orchard offers two options for sponsors at harvest time. Sponsors may choose to receive either 6 standard boxes of Worange, or the actual harvest from their sponsored tree (no fewer than 216 fruits — please note that fruit sizes vary, and if the harvest exceeds 216 fruits, all additional fruits will be given to the sponsor in full).
Please note that fruits harvested from sponsored trees will not be graded (e.g., by size, sweetness, or acidity) — all fruits will be delivered to the sponsor as-is. Variations in fruit size, sweetness, or acidity are therefore to be expected. Sponsors who choose to receive the harvest from their own tree should be aware of and accept this arrangement. If you wish to share the oranges with family and friends, we recommend choosing the standard packaged option instead.
3/ How can I view the list of beneficiary charities/organisations? How does Zhan Xiang allocate the donated Worange?
The list of beneficiary organisations is continuously updated. We welcome suggestions from all parties regarding potential beneficiaries, though Zhan Xiang reserves the right to make the final decision. Past partner organisations include: Seedbed Action, Gingko House, Dialogue in the Dark, Food Angel, Drill Charitable Foundation, and others. Zhan Xiang also welcomes enquiries or form submissions from other charitable organisations/groups.
The Worange donations collected through the Orange Tree Sponsorship Programme (+1 Donate on Your Behalf Plan) will be distributed by Zhan Xiang according to the needs of each beneficiary organisation, with the aim of reaching as many recipients as possible. Once all donations have been completed, Zhan Xiang will publicly disclose the names of beneficiary organisations and the quantities donated for sponsors and the public to view.
For the Orange Tree Sponsorship Programme (Whole Tree Donation 1+1=12 Plan), if a sponsor does not specify a preferred charity/organisation, Zhan Xiang will arrange the beneficiary organisation(s) accordingly*, distributing quantities based on each organisation's needs. All information will be made public after the donations are completed for sponsors and the public to view.
4/ What are the fees for the self-funded eco-tour? How is it arranged?
Each year during the harvest season (approximately mid-to-late November), Zhan Xiang arranges eco-tours for interested sponsors to visit the orchard. The orchard has on-site accommodation for up to 80 guests. Sponsors may opt for a 3-day, 2-night itinerary, with a reference cost of approximately HKD 650–750 per day (inclusive of accommodation and three meals, most of which are grown or raised on the farm). Interested sponsors are welcome to contact us via WhatsApp, and the orchard will notify sponsors of the relevant arrangements in due course.
Eco-tours can also be arranged during other periods as half-day visits; however, a minimum of 10 participants is required for a tour to proceed.