Beyond its economic advantages, many orchards welcome visitors, offering a unique, hands-on experience of picking apples directly from the trees, further enhancing the region’s charm.
Kim’s Grand Secret Apple, also known as Taiwan’s Grand Secret Apple, originates from Taiwan, China. After its introduction to Vietnam, this variety swiftly adapted to the tropical climate and is now cultivated in provinces such as Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, and Khanh Hoa. Bac Ninh stands out as a prime cultivation area, thanks to its vast riverbank land and sandy, well-drained soil, which are ideal for the tree’s growth.
This apple variety excels in drought resistance, has minimal pest issues, and thrives in slightly saline or alkaline soils. Within just 8–10 months of planting, the tree can yield its first harvest. With proper care, it consistently produces high yields for many years.
What distinguishes Kim’s Grand Secret Apple from local varieties is its remarkable size. Typically, there are only 8–10 apples per kilogram, with the first fruits on young trees weighing between 200–250 grams each. The apples are round or slightly elongated, featuring a thin, light green skin that ripens to a lemon-yellow hue.
Cutting into the apple reveals its ivory-white, crisp, and juicy flesh. The flavor is a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle fragrance, without the tartness common in other varieties. Its refreshing crispness and high water content have led many to liken it to a blend of a local apple and a pear, making it a delightful and easy-to-eat treat.
In the market, Kim’s Grand Secret Apple typically ranges from 30,000 to 45,000 VND per kilogram, depending on the season and quality. Premium apples with uniform size and appealing appearance can command 50,000 to 70,000 VND per kilogram during the Lunar New Year season. When sold in major cities or packaged as gifts, the retail price can rise to 60,000 to 90,000 VND per kilogram.
Producing high-quality apples demands significant effort from farmers. After each harvest, the trees are heavily pruned, leaving only 3–4 primary branches to stimulate new growth. This technique is essential for ensuring synchronized flowering and maintaining productivity in the following season.
Due to the apples’ large size and tendency to grow in clusters, farmers often install support systems from the third year onward to prevent branches from breaking under the fruit’s weight. Additionally, applying organic fertilizer, proper irrigation, and bagging the fruit near harvest help control pests, preserve appearance, and enhance quality.
