(Baonghean.vn) - In Anh Son district, only the people of Hung Son commune have the craft of making cassava rice crackers. Under the hands of these farmers, this unique rice cracker has become a "brand" for the region. These days, the atmosphere in the village is more bustling because it is the peak season for making the crackers.
 |
| Currently, in Hung Son, there are more than 30 households in hamlets 6, 8, and 9 engaged in the cassava rice cracker making profession, with the highest concentration in hamlet 9, where 20 households follow the trade. |
 |
| While typical rice crackers are made from rice flour, the rice crackers made by the people of Hung Son are made from high-quality cassava grown by the locals themselves. They carefully select tubers that are less fibrous, plump, and round, then grind them into a fine paste. |
 |
| The cassava flour, after being ground and mixed with water, forms a fine, white powder. Then, a little black sesame seeds and spices are added, mixed together, and kneaded thoroughly. The amount of spices is adjusted according to the secret recipe of each family. |
 |
| According to the bakers, making these seemingly simple cassava rice cakes actually requires meticulousness and skill at every step. |
 |
| Ms. Tran Thi Thanh Thuy from Hamlet 9, Hung Son Commune, shared: "The main season for making cassava rice crackers is from September of the previous year to February of the following year. To get a delicious cracker, the most important step is making it. When the cracker is cooked, people carefully remove it so that it doesn't tear or become misshapen, then slowly place the cracker on a bamboo mat and peel it off." |
 |
| Making rice paper isn't physically demanding, but it still requires staying up late and waking up early. Villagers start making the rice paper as early as 3 am, and the work continues well past noon, with lunch at 2 pm being commonplace. Each day, a household makes at least 300 sheets, and some make 500-600. After deducting expenses, each household earns between 300,000 and 400,000 dong per day. |
 |
| After making the rice paper, spread it out to dry for about an hour, then turn it over. It will be dry after 4-5 hours. The rice paper should not be dried too much, as it will become brittle and easily broken. |
 |
| Cassava rice crackers are imported at a price of 1,300 - 1,500 VND/piece. In addition to selling raw crackers, many households also bake them to sell at 2,500 VND/piece. |
 |
| Cassava rice crackers from this area are not only consumed within Anh Son district but also throughout the province, including Con Cuong, Do Luong, and Nam Dan. Although it's not as profitable as the folk saying goes, "one investment yields four times the profit," the cassava rice cracker making profession has become the main source of income for many households here. |
 |
| Nowadays, many young people in Anh Son are also consciously learning a trade and following in the footsteps of their fathers and grandfathers. |
Thai Hien
