Vinh, a famous specialty fruit of Nghe An province, boasts a unique sweetness, distinctive aroma, and attractive appearance. With an abundance of varieties claiming to be “Vinh mandarins” available year-round, consumers should be cautious when distinguishing and selecting to avoid counterfeits, ensuring both quality and value for money.
Do you know the tips to identify authentic Pad Vinh? (Image: CleverFood)
Differentiating Pad Vinh Varieties
While commonly referred to as Pad Vinh, there are actually four types: Xa Doai, Van Du, Song Con, and Valencia (V2) mandarins. Despite being different varieties, they are all harvested during the same period, from late September to February on the lunar calendar.
Xa Doai Pad
This is the most distinctive type of Pad Vinh, originating from Nghi Dien, Nghi Loc district, Nghe An. The variety is renowned not only in the province but also nationwide. The pads typically ripen from late September to the end of November on the lunar calendar.
Xa Doai Pad is unique, featuring a thick peel, golden-yellow flesh, and juicy segments. Its fragrance is subtle but noticeable when peeling the fruit. Most impressively, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness, crispness, and minimal fibers. The pads get sweeter as they ripen, leaving a pleasant aroma even after consumption. Pad juice is also noticeably stickier compared to other varieties.
Xa Doai Pad. (Image: VNA)
The Xa Doai variety is either oval-shaped like a buckeye fruit or round, with a less glossy appearance and more seeds. Nonetheless, its flavor is unparalleled.
Van Du Pad
The Van Du variety is cultivated across Vietnam, but those grown in Nghe An are considered exceptionally delicious. These pads are round, with thick peels, high juice content, and a significant number of seeds. They offer a unique flavor profile, featuring a bold sweetness and a subtle bitter note that quickly dissipates after consumption. The juice has a slippery texture, unlike the stickiness of Xa Doai Pad juice. The average weight of a ripe pad is 200-300 grams.
Van Du Pad. (Image: BTH)
The Van Du variety boasts high yields, resistance to pests and diseases, and adaptability to various harsh climatic conditions.
Song Con Pad
Named after a river in Nghe province, this Pad Vinh variety is spherical, with thin peels, abundant juice, few seeds, and a strong sweetness.
Currently, Song Con Pad is cultivated in many regions across Vietnam. However, the variety grown in Nghe’s terroir remains the customer’s top choice due to its superior flavor and quality.
Valencia Pad
Valencia Pad. (Image: Vinfruits)
Introduced from Spain, this variety underwent experimental cultivation and eventually became a specialty in Nghe province. Valencia Pad has a slightly thicker peel but boasts attractive colors, combining beauty and taste. However, it ripens later, has fewer seeds, and its juice is exceptionally sweet, meeting consumer preferences and fetching a good price in the market.
Tips for Identifying Authentic Pad Vinh
Pad Vinh usually reaches its peak season from late September to October on the lunar calendar, continuing until February-March. It is rare to find off-season pads, and they are not widely sold in the market.
Pad Vinh’s peel often has sunspots and a sun-kissed appearance due to weather influences. If the pads have bright, shiny colors, they are likely not authentic Pad Vinh.
In addition to its intense sweetness, Pad Vinh also offers a refreshing, slightly tangy taste, distinct from the pure sweetness found in some other varieties.
Genuine Pad Vinh, especially the Xa Doai variety, is never cheap. It is typically sold at a higher price, at least 50,000 VND/kg. Prices at the orchards range from 40,000 to 70,000 VND/kg, depending on the season. If the market price is only 25,000-30,000 VND/kg, it is definitely not Pad Vinh.
Tips for Selecting Delicious Pad
When choosing pads, consider the following factors:
– Color: The golden-yellow color of pads is striking, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice variations in shade. Within the same variety, pads with deeper colors have received more sunlight, resulting in higher sugar content and juicier, sweeter segments. Opt for these pads.
– Shape: Among a stack of pads, you’ll find some that are slightly oval, some perfectly round, some taut, and some slightly wrinkled. For the best flavor and juiciness, choose pads with a taut, round shape.
– Weight: Hold the pads in your hand to gauge their weight. Larger pads may not necessarily be heavier, as they could have thicker peels and drier segments. A heavier pad indicates freshness and higher juice content, while a lighter one suggests prolonged storage and inferior quality.
Holding the pads also allows you to assess their firmness. Fresh, ripe pads have a springy texture when squeezed, while those that are difficult to squeeze have thicker peels and are less tasty.
According to VTC News
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