Ginger flowers - opening up a new source of income for people in the highlands of Nghe An.
In recent years, ginger flowers, which were once only used by ethnic minorities in mountainous areas for daily meals, have gradually become a valuable commodity, contributing to a stable source of income for many households in highland communes of Nghe An province such as Muong Xen and Na Ngoi…
Ginger flowers are small, about the size of a thumb, with a stem approximately 10-15 cm long, dark green in color, and emitting a mild, pleasant aroma similar to ginger root. They bloom only once a year, usually between July and September in the lunar calendar, although the flowering time may vary depending on the weather.
According to residents of Buoc Mu village, Na Ngoi commune, ginger flowers used to be a staple in everyday family meals. This flower was never considered a marketable commodity, primarily serving self-sufficiency needs. Now, many restaurants and eateries have included ginger flowers on their menus, turning this dish into a popular specialty. When the harvest season begins, the highland markets become bustling.
Mr. Nguyen Viet Hung, Secretary of the Party Committee of Muong Xen commune, said: In addition to traditional consumption at local markets, the locality is currently connecting with several supermarkets in Nghe An province to expand the market for ginger flowers. This is a new direction that helps increase the economic value of ginger, while encouraging farmers to cultivate in a clean and sustainable way.
Harvesting ginger flowers is still done entirely by hand. People usually use knives or small scissors to cut each stem, avoiding damage to the ginger rhizome below. A single ginger plant can yield 8-20 flowers, with better plants producing more. On average, one worker can harvest 10-20 kg of flowers each morning, selling them at the current price of around 25,000 VND/kg. Additionally, ginger flowers are also sold retail at markets for around 10,000 VND per bunch, depending on quality and time of year.
Besides providing a decent income, ginger flowers also contribute to diversifying the crop structure and agricultural products of mountainous communes. These flowers can be processed into many characteristic dishes such as stir-fried beef, soup, or dried to make tea. Their spicy, slightly pungent flavor makes the dishes special, and according to folk experience, they also have the effect of warming the stomach and relieving colds.
Ms. Ho Y Pa from Truong Son village, Nam Can commune, happily shared: "In recent years, as the demand from traders has increased, ginger flowers have started to be harvested and sold, bringing a considerable income to the people."
To develop ginger cultivation sustainably, local authorities in mountainous communes are stepping up efforts to educate and guide people on proper harvesting techniques, avoiding over-harvesting that could harm the ginger root. Simultaneously, connecting with markets is considered a key factor in ensuring stable output. Currently, some small traders have expressed interest in long-term purchasing, aiming to establish a clean ginger cultivation area that meets food safety standards.
With a stable procurement and distribution chain, ginger flowers can absolutely become a local branded product, contributing to the development of mountainous agricultural economy in a diversified, sustainable, and environmentally friendly direction.
