The Mekong Delta, a vast maze of rivers, swamps, and islands in southern Vietnam, is renowned for its lush orchards and fertile soil, which create the perfect environment for a variety of delicious and unique fruits. Here, we will delve into some of the most famous fruits of the region, exploring their seasonality, the origins of their intriguing names, and the best places to enjoy them.
Green Skin Pomelo – Bưởi Da Xanh
Seasonality: September to February
Where to Enjoy: Bến Tre Province
Green Skin Pomelo, or Bưởi Da Xanh, is a large, juicy citrus fruit known for its thick, green rind and sweet, pale pink flesh. The name “Da Xanh” translates to “Green Skin,” highlighting its distinctive appearance. This pomelo variety is celebrated for its high yield and excellent flavor, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. In Bến Tre, visit the local orchards to taste freshly picked pomelos and learn about traditional cultivation methods. One of the best ways to enjoy pomelo is in a Vietnamese pomelo salad (Gỏi Bưởi), which combines the fruit with shrimp, pork, herbs, and a tangy dressing.
King Orange – Cam Sành
Seasonality: November to May
Where to Enjoy: Vĩnh Long Province
Cam Sành, or King Orange, is a popular citrus fruit characterized by its rough, greenish-orange skin and sweet, juicy segments. The name “Sành” means “pottery” in Vietnamese, possibly referring to the fruit’s rugged exterior that resembles the texture of traditional pottery. Head to Vĩnh Long, where you can tour the sprawling orange orchards and savor the freshest King Oranges right off the tree. Enjoy these oranges freshly squeezed into juice or use them in cooking.
Rambutan – Chôm Chôm
Seasonality: May to July
Where to Enjoy: Bình Hòa Phước Island
Chôm Chôm, known as Rambutan in English, is an exotic fruit covered in hairy, red and green spines. Its name means “messy hair” in Vietnamese, a fitting description of its appearance. Inside, the fruit boasts a translucent, sweet, and slightly acidic flesh that is both refreshing and delightful. Bình Hòa Phước Island, with its abundant rambutan gardens, is the perfect spot to enjoy this summer delight. Rambutans are delicious on their own, but they also add a refreshing touch to tropical fruit salads.
Hòa Lộc Sand Mango – Xoài Cát Hòa Lộc
Seasonality: February to May
Where to Enjoy: Tiền Giang Province
Xoài Cát Hòa Lộc, or Hòa Lộc Sand Mango, is a premium mango variety known for its smooth, yellow skin and succulent, aromatic flesh. The name “Hòa Lộc” refers to the Hòa Lộc commune in Tiền Giang province, where this mango variety originated. “Cát” means “sand,” highlighting the fruit’s fine texture. Visit Tiền Giang during mango season to relish these exquisite fruits straight from the orchards. One of the best ways to enjoy these mangoes is with sticky rice (Xôi Xoài). Alternatively, blend them into a refreshing mango smoothie.
Trà Vinh Wax Coconut – Dừa Sáp Trà Vinh
Seasonality: Year-round
Where to Enjoy: Trà Vinh Province
Dừa Sáp, or Wax Coconut, is a rare and unique coconut variety from Trà Vinh province. Unlike regular coconuts, Dừa Sáp has a thick, gelatinous meat and a small amount of water inside. The name “Sáp” means “wax,” aptly describing the fruit’s waxy texture. Trà Vinh is the best place to sample these rare coconuts, either fresh or in local desserts. Wax coconuts are perfect for eating with yogurt and condensed milk, a popular local dessert, or blending into creamy coconut smoothies.
Cempedak Jackfruit – Mít Tố Nữ
Seasonality: March to May
Where to Enjoy: Cần Thơ City
Queen Jackfruit, or Mít Tố Nữ is a smaller, more fragrant variety of jackfruit. The name “Tố Nữ” translates to “beautiful lady” or “queen,” reflecting the fruit’s superior quality and delightful aroma. Its golden, sweet, and fibrous flesh is a favorite among fruit enthusiasts. Cần Thơ, the largest city in the Mekong Delta, offers ample opportunities to taste Queen Jackfruit at its bustling markets and nearby orchards. Jackfruit can be enjoyed in many forms, such as crispy jackfruit chips or cooked into a flavorful jackfruit salad.
Durian – Sầu Riêng
Seasonality: May to August
Where to Enjoy: Tiền Giang and Cái Mơn (Bến Tre)
Sầu Riêng, known globally as Durian, is famous for its strong odor and rich, creamy flesh. The name “Sầu Riêng” translates to “one’s own sorrows,” hinting at the intense and polarizing experience of tasting this fruit. Despite its divisive smell, durian is highly prized for its complex flavor and custard-like texture. Tiền Giang and Cái Mơn in Bến Tre are renowned for their high-quality durians, making them ideal destinations for durian aficionados. Durian can be enjoyed fresh or used to make decadent durian ice cream.
Conclusion
The Mekong Delta’s fertile landscape yields an abundance of flavorful and diverse fruits, each with its own unique characteristics and cultural significance. From the refreshing Green Skin Pomelo and aromatic Hòa Lộc Sand Mango to the exotic Rambutan and rich Durian, these fruits offer a tantalizing glimpse into the agricultural riches of the region. Whether enjoyed fresh or incorporated into local dishes, the fruits of the Mekong Delta are a testament to the area’s vibrant agricultural heritage. Plan a visit with our Mekong Discovery in 1 day tour to these fruitful destinations to experience the true essence of the Mekong Delta’s bounty.