Hanoi: Discover the capital of Dien pomelos, resplendent with golden hues, ahead of the Lunar New Year of the Horse.
The pomelo orchards in Phuc Dien ward are entering their peak harvest season, supplying specialty products to the Tet market while also becoming a popular check-in destination attracting many tourists.
In Phuc Dien ward (Hanoi), the atmosphere in the days leading up to the Lunar New Year of the Horse (Binh Ngo) is more bustling than ever as the pomelo orchards begin their main harvest season. This is the time when orchard owners are busy harvesting to supply the market, while also opening their doors to welcome visitors from all over to admire the scenery and capture beautiful moments amidst the characteristic golden landscape.
The harvest season is bustling in the capital of Dien pomelo.
From early morning, orchard owners and workers were present to begin the harvesting process. Ripe, plump pomelos were carefully selected and sorted right at the source to ensure the best quality before being brought to market.
Mr. Nguyen Gia Dung, the owner of a pomelo orchard spanning over 4 hectares with approximately 2,000 trees, said that his family expects to harvest around 200,000 fruits this year. According to experienced growers, the quality of pomelos largely depends on the age of the trees.
"The older the Dien pomelo tree, the rougher the peel, and the more fragrant and sweet the flavor. After harvesting, it should be left for a few days to let the juices develop; only then will the quality reach its best," Mr. Dung shared about the secret to producing pomelos that meet specialty standards.
Experience tourism and take photos at the garden.
Besides the purpose of selling agricultural products, in recent years, orchards in Phuc Dien have cleverly adapted and added services to welcome tourists. On average, each orchard receives 50 to 100 visitors per day. This activity not only increases income for farmers but also effectively promotes the traditional Dien pomelo brand.
Ms. Thu Thuy, a tourist from downtown Hanoi, shared: "My family comes here every year. Coming directly to the orchard allows us to personally select the best fruits and experience the atmosphere of labor during the days leading up to Tet. Dien pomelos have a very unique flavor; the longer they are left, the sweeter they become as the peel dries out."
Price and market information
Currently, the price of Dien pomelos at the orchard ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 VND per fruit. This price varies depending on the weight of the fruit and the age of the tree. Orchard owners say this price has remained stable for many years to ensure consistent demand.
Notably, Dien pomelo is an indispensable fruit on the five-fruit platter during Tet (Lunar New Year) in many Northern Vietnamese families. With its golden color symbolizing good fortune and its pure fragrance, this specialty fruit has always maintained its position despite the increasingly diverse Tet fruit market.
