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The Ultimate Guide: Identifying the Superiority of Vietnamese Lychees Over Their Chinese Counterparts

The luscious lychee fruit is a summer delicacy, gracing the stalls and markets across the region. However, with the abundance of lychees on offer, it can be a challenge to discern the origin and quality of these fruits. Distinguishing between Vietnamese and Chinese lychees is an art, and with the right knowledge, you can select the finest produce and savor the true taste of summer.

Administrator

14 July, 2024

The lychee season is currently in full swing in Vietnam. However, due to the complex COVID-19 situation, consumption may decrease compared to previous years. As a result, there have been calls on social media to support lychee farmers in Bac Giang by purchasing their produce.

Be wary of unscrupulous traders who may sell Chinese lychees while claiming they are from Vietnam. This article will guide you on how to distinguish between Vietnamese and Chinese lychees.

1Shape

Vietnamese Lychees

There are two famous lychee-growing regions in Vietnam: Thanh Ha and Bac Giang. The lychees from these regions differ in appearance:

– Thanh Ha Lychees: These lychees are quite small, about the size of a thumb, with taut and smooth skin. When ripe, they have a light pink hue, a thick layer of flesh, and extremely small seeds (some even seedless).

Thanh Ha lychees are small with tiny or no seeds

– Bac Giang Lychees: Originating from Thanh Ha, these lychees share similar characteristics but are larger in size and have a deeper red color when ripe, unlike the pale pink of Thanh Ha lychees.

Bac Giang lychees are larger and have a deeper red color

The most renowned lychees from Bac Giang are those from Luc Ngan, a mountainous district. These lychees are exported worldwide and are distinguished by a thin brown membrane between the flesh and the seed.

Luc Ngan lychees have a thin brown membrane between the flesh and seed

Chinese Lychees

In terms of appearance, Chinese lychees are more visually appealing than their Vietnamese counterparts. They are larger, uniformly sized, and have attractive packaging, making them very enticing to consumers.

2Flavor

Although Chinese lychees are making inroads into the Vietnamese market, China remains the largest importer of Vietnamese lychees, accounting for 70% of total exports. This is due to the superior quality of Vietnamese lychees, especially those from Bac Giang, which are renowned for their delightful sweetness, refreshing taste, and distinctive aroma.

In contrast, Chinese lychees have an overpowering sweetness that is often likened to artificial sweeteners. They lack the refreshing quality of Vietnamese lychees and may leave consumers feeling wary, as if the fruit has been treated with chemicals.

3Harvest Season

Vietnamese lychees are typically harvested from May to June, with the peak season falling in June. During this time, lychees are readily available everywhere.

Chinese lychees, on the other hand, usually hit the market about a month earlier than their Vietnamese counterparts. Consumers can use this timing as a guideline to avoid accidentally purchasing Chinese lychees.

For further reference:

Frequently asked questions

Vietnamese lychees are renowned for their exceptional taste and quality. They are often praised for their unique, sweet flavor, vibrant red color, and juicy texture. The favorable climate and soil conditions in Vietnam contribute to the development of these desirable traits, setting them apart from lychees grown in other regions, including China.

Vietnamese lychees possess a more intense sweetness, with higher brix levels, resulting in a delightful burst of flavor. Their flesh is firmer and more translucent, contributing to a satisfying crunch when bitten into. Additionally, the aroma of Vietnamese lychees is more pronounced, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

The ‘Thanh Ha’ lychee variety is highly acclaimed and sought-after. It originates from the Hai Duong province of Vietnam and is known for its exceptionally large size, vibrant red color, and incredibly sweet taste. ‘Thanh Ha’ lychees are considered a premium delicacy and are often exported to demanding markets worldwide.

Vietnam’s climate and soil are ideal for lychee cultivation. The country experiences a tropical monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, providing the necessary water and sunshine for optimal lychee growth. The soil in Vietnam’s lychee-growing regions is typically well-drained and nutrient-rich, further enhancing the fruit’s quality.

Yes, Vietnamese lychees have gained significant traction in global markets. They are increasingly being exported to countries like the United States, Australia, and those in Europe. Consumers worldwide are recognizing the superior quality and taste of Vietnamese lychees, making them a sought-after fruit during their season.