1. Lotus Seed Pod Calligraphy Pomelo
Pomelo, a fruit commonly used for display in the Tet fruit tray, is chosen by many orchard owners to create unique shapes. Among the various types of pomelo available in the market, the lotus seed pod-shaped pomelo stands out. These pomelos resemble lotus seed pods, and to add diversity and uniqueness, calligraphy is carved on them, also known as calligraphy pomelos. The raised calligraphy on these pomelos not only adds an exotic touch but also signifies elegance, making them a preferred choice for many households despite their relatively high prices.
Calligraphy pomelos are meticulously crafted by orchards in the Southern region, such as Vinh Long and Soc Trang. The price for each pomelo ranges from 500,000 VND to over a million VND. The high price is justified by the multiple intricate steps involved in shaping these fruits and the low success rate, making them quite popular. The pomelos are shaped with raised calligraphy on the surface, presenting both sophistication and beauty. Each pair of calligraphy-carved pomelos holds significant value, from the spiritual to the symbolic, making them a favored choice for consumers. In fact, orchards often struggle to meet the high demand for these unique fruits.


2. Calligraphy Coconut
Coconuts are an indispensable fruit for the Tet fruit tray. During the Lunar New Year, calligraphy coconuts gain special popularity. With the skilled hands of farmers, coconuts are carved with words like 'fortune,' 'prosperity,' 'peace,' and more, ready to adorn the fruit tray.
To keep up with the trend of calligraphy-carved fruits during Tet, 'calligraphy coconuts' have emerged with a price tag of nearly 300,000 VND per coconut, significantly more expensive than regular coconuts. Particularly, premium coconuts with exceptional beauty may cost double, ranging from 500,000 to 600,000 VND per coconut. These calligraphy coconuts primarily originate from the Mekong Delta region.


3. Papaya with Calligraphy
Papaya is an essential fruit for the Tet fruit tray. To introduce diversity and novelty, the trend of carving words on papayas is relatively recent, making its debut in the market just last year. These papayas are expected to be warmly welcomed this year and are predicted to be quite popular due to the diverse preferences of many families.
Papayas chosen for calligraphy carving are typically long, with dense flesh, capable of lasting for a considerable time, and can be sold at a higher price. The price for calligraphy-carved papayas is also reasonable, around 100,000 VND per papaya, suitable for the budget of many people.


4. Golden Melon
In general, watermelon is extremely popular during Tet and is also a fruit shaped early with various forms such as square, heart, or the lucky golden melon. All are available in the bustling Tet market.
Most of these watermelons originate from orchards in Can Tho. To create differently shaped and attractive fruits for Tet celebrations, farmers have to mold the fruits early and take meticulous care of them. Therefore, the highest prices can reach up to a few million VND per pair. Normally, each melon is priced from a few hundred thousand to a million VND, but enthusiasts of unique items are willing to spend on these special fruits.


5. Red Phoenix and Green Pineapple Cluster
The 'son plum cluster' is a fruit with a vibrant red color, perfect for display during Tet. Although the fruit itself may not be delicious, its vivid color makes it suitable for creating dragon and phoenix shapes, making it a popular choice among consumers.
The 'son plum cluster' is divided into two types: the 'smooth fruit' and the shaped fruit. The 'smooth fruit' requires less care but due to its unique color, it is priced at the garden from 10,000 to 20,000 VND per fruit. On the other hand, the shaped ones, intricately designed with dragon and phoenix motifs, can range from a few hundred thousand to a million VND per cluster, depending on the tree's shape. Many customers are willing to spend millions to bring the 'son plum cluster' for decoration during Tet. It is primarily cultivated in the province of Tien Giang.


6. Calligraphy Mango
In the Lunar New Year market, there are mangoes engraved with calligraphy, maps of Vietnam, and more. These specially carved mangoes are priced from 200,000 to 300,000 VND per fruit, still considered a 'hot commodity' during Tet due to their symbolic and aesthetic value. Calligraphy mangoes are the creations of farmers in Ben Tre, Dong Thap, and Hau Giang. The selected mangoes for carving must be plump, with shiny skin, suitable for display, and possess high aesthetic value. The calligraphy mango variety is the Taiwanese mango. The pink letters on the fruit result from direct sunlight, while the green letters are in the shade.
Mangoes sell well during Tet, but carved mangoes are unique and sought after. They are not only meant for consumption but also for display, conveying hopes for luck and prosperity in 2021.


7. Peach Blossom Lotus Seed Pod
The peach blossom tree, also known as the longevity tree, is a versatile plant used for both medicinal and decorative purposes. Surprisingly, this beautiful tree has remarkable longevity-extending properties. Due to its values and significance, the peach blossom tree is used as a symbol of luck and longevity during the Lunar New Year to welcome spring.
Today, with the skilled hands of creative individuals, peach blossoms are transformed into eye-catching lotus seed pods. These peach blossoms feature lotus seed pod shapes or incorporate calligraphy, making them exquisite gifts for Tet or beautiful decorations for the altar during the festive season.


8. Engraved Net Melon
As the Tet of the Buffalo approaches, many unique items are introduced to the market, including the engraved net melon. With its distinctive engraving and long-lasting freshness, the engraved net melon has become a popular choice for decoration. The market is ever-changing, offering a variety of products. In addition to green net melons, yellow ones with engravings are also available, providing people with ample choices based on their preferences.
The engraved net melon is not only visually appealing for display but also a delicious fruit that many people prefer. During Tet, every household desires to possess special and valuable items. Choosing fruits with engravings is a smart and innovative choice, bringing freshness and hope for the new year.


9. Calligraphic Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the preferred fruits to be displayed on the Tet fruit tray, symbolizing abundance and luck for the new year with its red flesh. Each Tet season, watermelons combined with delicate calligraphic art enhance their value. Skilled craftsmen meticulously carve unique characters onto each watermelon.
The trend of calligraphy on watermelons is not new but continues to be popular. As Tet approaches, carving workshops become busier, receiving numerous individual and bulk orders. The number of orders can reach thousands or tens of thousands of watermelons. In addition to the cost of the watermelon, the carving fee is calculated at 100,000 VND per character. However, the price also depends on the complexity of the characters, the quantity, and accompanying decorative patterns. Simpler and easier-to-carve characters are more affordable, while intricate and time-consuming designs command higher prices.
Aside from enhancing the beauty of the fruit tray, calligraphic watermelons also serve as meaningful gifts for loved ones. A meticulously carved watermelon expresses wishes for a successful, joyful, and peaceful new year. Therefore, many people choose to gift their relatives unique calligraphic watermelons along with fruit baskets and sweets.


