Fruitful Bố Hạ oranges ripen during Lunar New Year season. Photo dulichvietnam.com.vn

The midland province of Bắc Giang is well known far and wide not only for its Lục Ngạn litchi, but also Bố Hạ orange which has been ranked first nationwide for its special fragrance, deliciousness and nutrition.

Nguyễn Thanh Hòa, 72, who has been growing this speciality crop for several decades, said the orange took its name after its native land, Bố Hạ Commune, in Yên Thế District.

No one knows exactly when the crop came into being, but Hòa said he remembers his grandfather’s garden with ripe yellow oranges on green branches, thanks to rich alluvial land from the Thương River.

During the season, oranges from village gardens were stacked along the river to wait for boat transport to Hà Nội, Hải Phòng and other provinces, Hòa recalled.

“When harvesting reason come, we youngsters are very happy because we could glean the orchards. Each of us could have a dozen to bring home,” Hòa said, adding that he will never forget those days.

Hòa said his grandmother often preserved the orange by burying it in sand to enjoy it later or used it to treat ailments such as fever and cough among children. Buried this way, the orange was still fresh, sweet and fragrant.

After harvesting, every farmer household invested their efforts and time in tending their orange trees by bringing alluvial soil from the Thương to heap around their roots. Hòa said, noting that Bố Hạ orange brings fame to Bắc Giang people because it is a dear gift presented by the nature to their relatives and friends.

Hòa’s friend Tô Bình Minh in the neighbouring province of Quảng Ninh said his parents like Bố Hạ orange so much for its cool fragrance and sweetness. “We often buy a hundred kilos at peak season to put on our altar to worship our ancestors and enjoy it for several months,” he said.

The fruit is commonly known for rich nutrients with fibre, vitamin C, high antioxidants and other minerals.

Nowadays, the Bố Hạ orange species has been grown across the country, but none from other places has equivalent characteristics compared with native Bố Hạ orange in Bắc Giang, said Hòa.

The Bố Hạ orange is sold very well at traditional Tết holiday. “My family is expected to harvest some 30 tonnes of orange this season,” he said.

In the past local authorities presented the speciality fruit to Nguyễn Kings (1802-1945) at the Huế royal capital city, according to a Bắc Giang geographical book written by Trịnh Như Tấu, a celebrated culturist and journalist, and a native of Bắc Giang.

Bố Hạ orange was recognized among the top 100 specialities of Việt Nam by VietKing last year. VNS