The famous Dai Hoang banana, known as Chuoi Ngu in Vietnamese, is a delicacy native to the village of Dai Hoang in Hoa Hau commune, Ly Nhan district, Ha Nam province. This unique fruit is highly sought-after by traders across the region, even for export, and is especially popular during the spring season, fetching prices of up to one million dong per bunch.
1 What is Chuoi Ngu?
Chuoi Ngu, or the “Royal Banana,” earned its name as a tribute to the royal family during the Tran Dynasty in the 13th century. It is primarily cultivated in Northern Vietnam, with the most renowned and delicious variety originating from Dai Hoang village, where the soil and climate create the perfect environment for its growth.
2 Characteristics of Chuoi Ngu
There are two types of Chuoi Ngu in Dai Hoang: the Chuoi Ngu Trâu and the Chuoi Ngu Mit. Of the two, the Chuoi Ngu Mit is the more popular variety.
The Chuoi Ngu Mit has smaller fruit compared to the Chuoi Ngu Trâu, with a size comparable to two little fingers held together. It is considered more delicious, featuring golden-yellow flesh like a ripe jackfruit, and a speckled purple-brown peel when ripe, earning it the nickname “Chuoi Ngu Tia.”
The Chuoi Ngu is distinguished by its small, attractive fruit with thin skin. When ripe, it boasts a deep yellow color, sweet and fragrant flesh, and a unique ability to stay fresh for weeks without turning mushy. This sets it apart from other banana varieties.
Chuoi Ngu is recognized as one of the and is listed among the top 50 specialty fruits of Vietnam.
The Dai Hoang Chuoi Ngu has been granted a trademark and copyright, ensuring its authenticity. It is not only popular within Vietnam but also among Vietnamese expatriates worldwide, who often bring it back with them when visiting their homeland.
3 Distinguishing Chuoi Ngu from Other Banana Varieties
At first glance, Chuoi Ngu (predominant in Northern Vietnam) and Chuoi Cau (commonly grown in Central and Southern Vietnam) may appear similar in shape and form. However, there are distinct differences between the two varieties.
Compared to Chuoi Ngu, Chuoi Cau has larger, rounder fruit with thicker skin, and its flesh is less sweet and aromatic.
When unripe, it can be challenging to tell the two apart. However, as the fruit ripens, Chuoi Ngu displays a uniform golden yellow color and retains the hairy stem at the end, whereas Chuoi Cau loses this feature upon ripening.
Chuoi Ngu, a unique Vietnamese fruit delicacy, is certainly worth discovering and distinguishing from other banana varieties for consumers to experience at least once.
