Mention the forest ebony and many will recall the familiar nursery rhyme: “Rain falls softly, ebony trees bear fruit, young girls find their charm…”. These simple lyrics have been etched into the minds of Western children for generations, intertwined with the rainy season and clusters of ripe, deep purple fruit. As the first rains of late May arrive, the ebony trees bloom and bear fruit, heralding a sweet summer.
Forest ebony, also known as wild ebony or forest elder, has long grown wild in the mountains of the Western region. This species thrives in the mountain climate, requiring no care or watering, yet produces tiny white flowers and clusters of dark, juicy berries. Locals call ebony a “gift from heaven” for its simplicity and abundance, bestowed by nature.
Ebony flowers typically bloom in early summer, pure white and emitting a subtle fragrance. As the flowers fall, green fruits appear, gradually turning red, then purple, and finally a glossy black when ripe. Each fruit is only as large as a fingertip, oval-shaped, but when ripe, it becomes a deep purple, plump, and tempting. From late May to July in the lunar calendar is considered the peak season for ebony, when the trees are laden with fruit and markets, both rural and urban, are filled with the distinctive purple hue.
What makes forest ebony fruit an unforgettable memory is its unique flavor: a blend of tartness, sweetness, and a hint of bitterness. The taste buds are awakened, leaving a lingering sensation that is both familiar and novel. Western children often gather to pick and eat ebony fruit on the spot or dip it in salt and chili—a simple yet irresistible treat, rivaling any delicacy.
For urban dwellers, forest ebony sparks curiosity and novelty. The tiny fruit carries the essence of the countryside, serving as both a snack and a bridge to childhood memories.
Beyond its delightful taste, forest ebony fruit is rich in nutrients. It contains abundant vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamine, choline, folic acid, and niacin. The primary sugars are glucose and fructose, providing energy and easy absorption.
Studies show that ebony fruit is high in polyphenol antioxidants, which stabilize blood sugar and protect insulin-producing pancreatic cells from free radicals. Polyphenols also reduce inflammation and slow starch digestion, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar.
Additionally, the fruit’s high vitamin C and iron content increase hemoglobin, improve oxygen transport in the blood, and detoxify the body. With about 55 mg of potassium per 100 grams, ebony fruit supports cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of high blood pressure, arterial hardening, and stroke. These benefits make forest ebony not just a snack but also a valuable natural remedy.
Today, forest ebony is no longer an obscure rural fruit. Urban markets embrace it as a unique, nutritious delicacy. On online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms, ebony fruit sells for 100,000–130,000 VND/kg, several times higher than before. Despite the price, demand remains strong due to its distinctive flavor and health benefits.
In Nui To commune (Tri Ton, An Giang), many households still cultivate a few ebony trees around their homes. During the season, they harvest the fruit to supply neighboring provinces and Ho Chi Minh City. Ebony trees begin bearing fruit at 7 years old and can live over 50 years. Older trees yield more fruit, but harvesting is challenging: pickers must climb tall trees and carefully pluck each ripe cluster by hand, a labor-intensive process.
Some farmers have begun cultivating forest ebony as a cash crop, creating an additional income source. This reflects the elevated economic value of a once-wild fruit.
For many in the Western region, ebony fruit is more than just a fruit—it’s a symbol of memory. Images of barefoot children gathering to pick ebony, laughter echoing through the forest, and the sweet taste on their tongues—all have become indelible memories. The fruit evokes a sense of peace, recalling summers past. For those far from home, the taste of ebony stirs homesickness, reminding them of childhood, family bonds, and simple yet sacred values.
Amidst a plethora of imported fruits, the small yet distinctly local forest ebony holds a unique appeal. More than a rural gift, it symbolizes the bond between humans and nature, between memory and the present. Each summer, the sight of purple ebony fruit evokes not just a delicacy but also childhood, carefree days by the hills and forests of the Western region.
In the fast-paced modern world, forest ebony reminds us of simplicity, peace, and the enduring essence of the countryside within each cluster of sweet purple fruit. This is what gives this small yet meaningful fruit its lasting value and charm.
