In the capital of Dien grapefruit, Phu Dien ward of Bac Tu Liem district in Ha Noi, the harvest season is in full swing as gardeners prepare to supply the market for the upcoming 2025 Lunar New Year. Mr. Phi Hung, a veteran in the cultivation of Dien grapefruit since 1997, notes the harvest period aligns with the Lunar New Year, attracting buyers nationwide seeking the fruit as a festive gift.
The distinctive characteristics of Dien grapefruit, including its small size, reddish-yellow color upon ripeness, and enhanced sweetness from mature trees, are highlighted by Hung. A premium grapefruit is described as weighing at least 1kg, featuring a yellow to bronze coloration, thin skin, and a dense feel.
Adjacent to Hung's orchard, Mr. Nguyen Gia Dung oversees a 4-hectare garden with nearly 2,000 grapefruit trees. Dung mentions that despite a decrease in output due to storm damage, demand remains high with many retailers pre-ordering for Tet. The wholesale price for high-quality fruits is set between 1-35,000 VND/fruit ($0.04-1.50 USD), with lower-quality variants priced from 40,000-20,000 VND/fruit ($1.71-0.86 USD).
Dung reports that despite a reduced yield per tree this year, sales have been brisk and prices favorable. Ms. Bui Thi Nga, who manages a 20-year-old garden, anticipates a slight price increase over the previous year due to rising fertilizer and labor costs.
Source: Vietnam.VN