Tho Loc is the only place in Vietnam where bean sprouts are not produced in foam boxes or jars, but in sandy holes.

After completing field work, at about 4pm every day, Tho Loc people flock to the banks of the Tra Khuc River to dig holes to make bean sprouts.

Each sandy pit is approximately 30cm deep and 30cm wide. About 1 kg of green or black beans is spread in several layers in these holes. On average, each hole yields about 7kg of bean sprouts after four days. Each family usually makes 15-20 sandy holes.

They go to the riverbank everyday to water these holes twice, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. To save costs, some households dig wells on the riverbank.

Bean sprouts are cleaned with water on the spot. Locals said that the demand for bean sprouts usually soars during holidays, particularly the Tet holiday.

According to the local farmer, the quality and flavor of bean sprouts grown in sandy holes are special so the product is favored by central people.

Mrs. Tran Thi Cho, 70 years old, has grown bean sprouts for over 40 years. She says that this job has brought about a stable income for her family. At present, she sells about 100kg of bean-sprouts a day.

Bean sprout are harvested from 11pm to 2am. The price is VND7,000 ($0.03) per kilo.

Mr. Tran Hong Long, Tinh Ha Commune chairman, says that Tho Loc people sell about 7 tons of bean sprouts a day and up to 10 tons before Tet.