Once primarily cultivated for its timber in traditional house and furniture construction due to its sturdy, durable, and aromatic qualities, the green ash tree has, in recent years, gained significant economic value from its seeds – a unique and popular spice.
When roasted, ash seeds emit a strong aromatic fragrance with a mild spiciness, often used for marinating, dipping sauces, or specialty dishes. This distinct flavor once made ash seeds a rare spice reserved for royalty. At one point, the price of dry ash seeds reached a staggering 500,000-600,000 VND/kg ($21.50-$26 USD), with current market prices settling around 100,000-200,000 VND/kg ($4.30-$8.60 USD) – a notable figure for a natural spice.
Recognizing this potential, many mountain households have shifted from solely logging to cultivating grafted ash trees for their seeds. In Chi Dao commune, Lac Son district, Hoa Binh province, the ash tree has become a ‘tree of poverty alleviation,’ providing stable incomes and even wealth for many families. On average, a hectare of ash trees can generate hundreds of millions to billions of VND annually.

The ash tree, besides its high economic value, also stands out for its robust growth and natural insect resistance. In the past, growing ash trees from seeds required a decade-long wait for farmers to harvest the seeds. However, with modern grafting techniques, the waiting period has been shortened to just 3-4 years, optimizing profits and production efficiency.
In addition to its economic potential, the ash tree plays a positive role in environmental protection and improvement. With heights reaching 25-30 meters, ash trees increase forest cover, conserve soil, prevent erosion, and help combat desertification in hilly areas. Their adaptability to harsh climates makes them a top choice for sustainable afforestation programs.

Farmers can also utilize the space under the ash tree canopy for intercropping medicinal herbs, increasing income without hindering the main crop’s growth.
Currently, ash seeds are predominantly consumed domestically, but their export potential remains significant. Previously, the German market expressed interest in this unique spice and highly regarded the distinctive flavor of Vietnamese ash seeds. With proper investment, standardization of cultivation and processing techniques, ash seeds could become a leading export commodity, bringing substantial economic value to Vietnamese farmers and businesses.
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