The Forgotten Fruit: A Tasty Treat Worth Seeking Out

The residents of Thanh Chuong in Nghe An, Vietnam, are currently engaged in harvesting a unique fruit that adds a tangy twist to their local cuisine. This fruit, known as “quả sông,” is a lesser-known delicacy that grows abundantly in the region.

According to Nghe An newspaper, the quả sông tree belongs to the mangosteen family and can be found scattered across several districts in Nghe An province, with a significant concentration in Thanh Chuong district, particularly in the communes of Thanh My, Thanh Duc, Hanh Lam, and Phong Thinh.

The quả sông tree is a long-lived woody plant that naturally grows in the forests. Locals have traditionally used its fruits to cook sour soups and curries. During the hot summer months, adding quả sông to a soup instantly transforms it into a delicious and tangy dish.

Over time, many locals have started cultivating these trees in their gardens. However, patience is a virtue when it comes to quả sông, as it takes 7 to 9 years for the tree to bear fruit after planting.

The quả sông fruit resembles an orange in shape and weighs between 0.3 and 1.2 kilograms. When ripe, it turns a vibrant yellow, and its flesh separates easily into segments, much like a mangosteen. The taste is a delightful combination of sweet and sour, with a hint of mangosteen flavor. However, indulging in too much of this fruit can lead to a feeling of intoxication.

The sour flesh of the quả sông is used as a flavor enhancer in cooking, adding a tangy twist to soups and curries. It is also preserved by soaking it in sugar syrup to make a refreshing drink, known for its health benefits. Locals share that during hot and sunny days, thin slices of quả sông can be dried under the sun in just 2-3 days.

Mr. Tung, a resident of Phong Thinh commune in Thanh Chuong, shared with Tri Thuc & Cuoc Song: “Not only does this woody tree provide shade, but it also bears fruit that can be sold in the market. After planting, it takes 7-9 years for the tree to reach maturity and start bearing fruit.”

The summer months, from May to August, mark the peak season for quả sông. As the fruit ripens, it transforms into a golden yellow color. Harvesting quả sông is no easy task due to the height and spread of the trees. Harvesters climb from branch to branch, using a pole with a net attached to pluck the fruit. The harvested fruit is then placed in bags hung on the branches and carefully lowered to the ground using a rope when full.

According to Mr. Tung, a mature quả sông tree can yield between 300 and 500 kilograms of fruit, with some trees producing up to 600-700 kilograms or even a ton.

During the quả sông season, harvesting groups in Thanh Chuong district are particularly active. They usually work in teams of 2 to 5 people, and each person can harvest 2 to 3 tons of fruit per day. The season provides a good income for those involved in the harvesting process.

Mr. Nguyen Van Dung, a 61-year-old resident of Thanh My commune in Thanh Chuong, shared that during this season, he purchased about 40 trees. He and his wife work diligently to harvest the fruit, as leaving ripe fruit on the tree can result in spoilage. Each tree is harvested multiple times, with the final harvest collecting both green and ripe fruit.

After harvesting, the fruit is sorted, and the best-looking ones are sold fresh. Less attractive fruit is sliced and dried for sale as a dried product.

Quả sông, once unknown, has now become a sought-after delicacy. Traders buy the fruit directly from the gardens or carefully pack them in crates to ship to customers across provinces and cities.

Ms. Hoai, also from Thanh Chuong, shared that quả sông is affordable in the gardens, with fresh fruit costing only VND 4,000-5,000 per kilogram. Dried quả sông, on the other hand, is priced at VND 50,000 per kilogram. In the city, the prices are higher, with fresh fruit costing around VND 30,000 per kilogram and dried fruit reaching VND 130,000 per kilogram.

“I have almost a dozen quả sông trees in my garden, but no one can climb to harvest the fruit,” added Ms. Hoai. “So, every year, I sell the entire tree to traders. They send their people to my garden to harvest the fruit. Although I don’t get the best price this way, it saves me a lot of hassle.”