Food & Receipts

The Wild Forest Fruit from Vietnam is a Luxury Abroad at 200,000 VND/kg

The mysterious and exotic fruits of Northwest Vietnam are a well-kept secret no more. With their unique appearance and versatile nature, these fruits are taking the region by storm as both a delicious treat and a medicinal wonder. Join us as we delve into the wonders of this forest fruit and uncover why it's capturing the hearts and minds of locals and adventurers alike!

Administrator

10 July, 2024

During the months of July and early August, a uniquely shaped fruit is sold at the markets in the northwestern provinces of Vietnam. This wild forest fruit is highly sought-after due to its distinct flavor and purported health benefits. Join us as we explore this fascinating fruit!

1What is the Mac Noang Fruit?

The Mac Noang fruit is oval-shaped, plump, with a pointed tip and bilateral symmetry. Each fruit contains 1-5 seeds, and each seed weighs approximately 20-25 grams. When ripe, the fruit turns a pale yellow or red color during July and resembles an eye-catching flower.

The Mac Noang fruit is oval-shaped with a pointed tip

Also known as the Sang fruit, Trom Quy, Mat Phuong seeds, jungle eggs, and chicken gizzard seeds, Mac Noang fruits grow wild on hills, slopes, forests, and gardens. The tree can grow up to 7-10 meters tall, with large, dark green leaves that are bigger than a palm, and white flowers that bloom in clusters beneath the leaves.

Mac Noang fruits have a unique sweet and nutty flavor with a crunchy texture. The fruits contain vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, as well as other nutrients beneficial to health. The fiber content creates a sense of fullness, providing roughage and reducing hunger pangs. It is an excellent choice for those looking to lose weight and reduce body fat.

The tree grows up to 7-10 meters tall with large, dark green leaves

Mac Noang seeds are used in delicious and nutritious dishes such as stir-fries, soups, stews, and porridge. Consuming these fruits is also believed to alleviate headaches.

Locals typically harvest the fruits when they are ripe and then boil them for about 15-20 minutes to make the thin skin easier to peel. To add variety, they may also pan-fry or roast the fruits.

Ripe Mac Noang fruits

In China, this fruit is known as the “Mat Phuong” or “Phu Quy” and is considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Additionally, the dried fruits can be used as a medicinal herb. In recent years, Mac Noang has gained popularity as a delicacy across Vietnam due to its nutritional value and unique flavor.

2Price of Mac Noang Fruit

In the local markets of Lang Son, Mac Noang fruits are harvested from the forests and sold for approximately 30,000-40,000 VND per kilogram. Outside of the local markets, these fruits are transported and sold in the lowland provinces for around 80,000-100,000 VND per kilogram.

In China, this fruit commands a higher price, often selling for twice as much, reaching up to 60 CNY per kilogram, which is approximately 211,500 VND per kilogram.

Mac Noang fruits are sold at a higher price in China

This concludes our exploration of the Mac Noang fruit, a unique delicacy from the mountainous forests of Northwest Vietnam. Stay tuned for more interesting articles, and don’t forget to follow us for more exciting content!

Frequently asked questions

The fruit is called ‘Forest Strawberry’ or ‘Dâu rừng’ in Vietnamese. It is a small, bright red berry that grows wild in the mountainous forests of Vietnam.

Forest Strawberries are highly prized for their unique flavor and health benefits. They are known to be rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. However, they are difficult to cultivate commercially due to their specific growing requirements and short shelf life. As a result, they are rarely exported, and those that are available abroad command a high price.

The price can vary depending on the market and availability, but they are known to be extremely expensive. On average, they can cost around $8 to $10 per kilogram, which is approximately 200,000 Vietnamese dong per kilogram.

Forest Strawberries are believed to have numerous health benefits. They are said to boost the immune system, improve digestion, and have anti-inflammatory properties. They are also a good source of dietary fiber and are known to have a low glycemic index, making them a healthy choice for those with diabetes or blood sugar concerns.

There are other types of wild strawberries that grow in different parts of the world, but they may have slightly different characteristics and flavors compared to the Vietnamese Forest Strawberries. Some similar berries include the European woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca) and the North American wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana).