The Forgotten Fruit: A Delicious Discovery for Food Connoisseurs.

Banana is a popular fruit, beloved by people across the diverse regions of Vietnam. Depending on the natural conditions and soil of each area, different localities boast their own unique banana varieties, each with its distinct flavor. One such variety that stands out is the Thanh Tieu banana from Hue.

The Thanh Tieu banana, also known as the Buddha’s Hand banana, captivates with its unusual shape resembling the outstretched fingers of a Buddha’s hand. This distinctive fruit is a renowned specialty of Hue and was once offered as a royal tribute in the past. Beyond its nutritional value, the Thanh Tieu banana holds cultural significance, being used in ceremonial offerings and symbolizing prosperity and good fortune in the lives of the locals.

According to local residents, the Thanh Tieu banana has a gentle sweetness and retains a crisp texture even when ripe, setting it apart from other banana varieties that tend to become soft and mushy. Notably, this type of banana is easy to eat and does not induce a feeling of excess.

Ms. Hoa, a local from Hue, shared, “Thanh Tieu bananas are very particular about the soil they grow in. They thrive in fertile alluvial soil with consistent moisture. To achieve high yields and ensure their distinct flavor, it’s crucial to use organic fertilizer.”

With their thick, elongated shape and darker hue compared to other bananas, Thanh Tieu bananas stand out. Their thin, light-colored peel also makes them easily recognizable.

Ms. Hoa also added that while this banana variety is delicious, it is quite rare and not many people choose to grow it due to its low yield. There was a time when Thanh Tieu bananas were forgotten and overlooked. However, as more people learned about them and placed orders, the cultivation of this unique banana regained popularity and expanded. Currently, Thanh Tieu bananas are grown in districts such as A Luoi, Nam Dong, and Lai Bang, providing a source of income for many households in Hue.

Ms. Hoa explained that proper timing and technique in fertilizer application are crucial aspects of banana care. “I also have to constantly monitor and prune the suckers to ensure they don’t affect the development of the banana bunches. Each banana tree needs to be supported by a prop to prevent breakage due to the heavy weight of the bunches. The harvested stems are also utilized as animal feed,” she added.

Thanh Tieu bananas are typically planted towards the end of the year and harvested in autumn. Once the bananas reach maturity, they are distributed across many provinces, with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City being the primary consumer markets. The farm-gate price for a bunch of Thanh Tieu bananas ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 VND, depending on their size.

A survey revealed that in supermarkets and clean fruit stores, Thanh Tieu bananas are usually sold by weight, with prices ranging from 30,000 to 45,000 VND per kilogram, depending on the delivery time.

Ms. Duong, a resident of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, shared her experience with Thanh Tieu bananas. “I discovered this unique banana variety during a business trip to Hue. The bunches resembled Buddha’s hands, and what impressed me the most was their delicious taste. The moderate sweetness and firm texture make Thanh Tieu bananas a favorite. Recently, I found that the supermarket near my apartment started selling them, so I decided to buy some for my family to enjoy. Even my children love Thanh Tieu bananas, perhaps even more than other banana varieties.”