Peach blossom season at the "gateway to heaven" in western Nghe An.
(Baonghean.vn) - Besides flowers for Tet (Lunar New Year), peaches are also a specialty of the Mong community in Nghe An province. When summer arrives, the peaches ripen. This fruit, with its sweet and sour taste, is an unforgettable treat when visiting Ky Son.
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| The communes of Muong Long, Huoi Tu, and Tay Son (Ky Son district) are places where the stone peach tree is still preserved. In the summer, the peaches begin to ripen. The peach season lasts about two months, starting from April. |
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Recently, the area dedicated to growing peach trees has decreased, and even in Muong Long commune, the area with the most peach trees in Ky Son district, there are only about 15 hectares left. The intense demand from traders selling peach trees for Tet (Lunar New Year) is the reason why Ky Son peaches are becoming increasingly scarce. Despite this, the Mong ethnic minority households here still keep their peach trees to harvest the fruit. "We don't sell all the peaches because we want to have fruit for our children to eat," shared a resident of Muong Long 1 village, Muong Long commune. |
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| It is precisely because of this "preservation" that when visiting Muong Long at this time of year, one can still find peach branches laden with fruit. |
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| There are two varieties of peaches grown in Ky Son that can only be distinguished during the ripening season. The peach in the photo originates from the northern provinces. The fruit's skin is covered with a layer of fine hairs. |
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| Another variety of peach with a smooth, glossy skin originates from Australia. |
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| However, locals still prefer to grow hairy peaches originating from northern Vietnam. "Hairy peaches are sweeter and juicier than smooth peaches," said Ms. Y Pà from Muong Long 1 village, Muong Long commune. |
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| Peaches are also a favorite snack for Hmong children after school. |
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| Due to the decrease in cultivated area, peach blossoms are no longer as common at the fruit stalls run by Hmong women near the Muong Long Sky Gate. |
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| The area of Ky Son district. Photo: Google Map |
