The gáo fruit, with its unique appearance, bears a striking resemblance to the rambutan. (Illustrative image)
Native to Vietnam’s Western and Northern regions, gáo is a wild fruit that thrives in its natural environment.
These trees flourish along streams or at the base of hills in Ninh Binh, where they are also cultivated as decorative hedges. Today, gáo fruit is celebrated as a signature specialty of Ninh Binh.
With its round shape and rough outer skin, the gáo fruit is often mistaken for an unripe rambutan. However, when sliced open, its golden-yellow flesh closely resembles that of a pineapple.
Two varieties of gáo exist: yellow gáo and white gáo. Yellow gáo features smooth skin and an irregular shape, while white gáo is round with soft, rambutan-like spines on its exterior.
Ms. Hoàng Quyên, a Ninh Binh resident, shares her perspective: “In my hometown, gáo trees are abundant. Once found wild near streams or at the foot of hills, many families now cultivate them as hedges, valuing both their aesthetic appeal and the fruit’s culinary versatility, especially in fish stews.
When ripe, the gáo fruit boasts a vibrant golden-yellow color, making it visually stunning. (Illustrative image)
Historically, this fruit remained relatively obscure and underappreciated. However, it has recently gained popularity, with urban consumers seeking it out for its distinctive flavor.
What is the price of gáo fruit?
Once a humble, lesser-known fruit, gáo has recently captured the interest of many enthusiasts. By September, online vendors begin offering gáo fruit in abundance, with prices ranging from 100,000 to 120,000 VND per kilogram. Stocks often sell out quickly, reflecting the fruit’s growing demand. On e-commerce platforms and local markets, sellers report high interest in gáo fruit, with orders frequently exceeding available supply.
