Indulge in Trùng Khánh chestnuts – the exquisite 'sweet and savory' specialty of Cao Bằng.

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Indulge in Trùng Khánh chestnuts – the exquisite 'sweet and savory' specialty of Cao Bằng.

Experience the renowned Trùng Khánh chestnuts, a culinary treasure from the land of Cao Bằng. Trùng Khánh chestnuts boast an indescribable sweet and savory aroma that leaves diners enchanted.

Indulge in Trùng Khánh chestnuts – the exquisite 'sweet and savory' specialty of Cao Bằng.

When mentioning Cao Bằng, you've likely heard of the famous Trùng Khánh chestnuts. In this article, let's explore what makes Trùng Khánh chestnuts so special.

Trùng Khánh is a district in Cao Bằng province, approximately 58km from the city, boasting over 240ha of chestnut orchards. Blessed with fertile soil, favorable climate, and abundant water sources, Trùng Khánh provides ideal conditions for chestnut cultivation. As a result, Trùng Khánh chestnuts exude an unparalleled aroma and flavor.

Locally known as 'mác lịch', chestnut trees in Trùng Khánh reach heights of 10-16m, with mature trunks reaching diameters of up to 0.5m and spreading canopies. In addition to natural advantages, strict cultivation practices ensure optimal quality. Trees are planted on hillsides at elevations of 450-600m with uniform spacing. Autumn marks the beginning of the chestnut harvest season. The clusters of unripe chestnuts resemble young rambutans with spiky fur-like husks.

Trùng Khánh chestnuts have long been intertwined with the lives of the Tày and Nùng people. During the autumn harvest season, Trùng Khánh chestnuts become a significant source of income for local residents. These chestnuts can be harvested using bamboo poles or allowed to fall naturally when ripe, for gardeners to collect. Ripe chestnuts have cracks on the outer shell and contain 1 to 3 nuts inside. Due to their spiky exterior, locals use grabbers to pick them from the trees, either separating the nuts on the spot or taking them home for shelling.

Trùng Khánh chestnuts are large, about 5-6 times bigger than wild chestnuts, with dark brown shells and light white fuzzy husks. The kernels are yellow. A common way to enjoy chestnuts is by boiling, grilling over charcoal, or roasting in a pan, resulting in a deliciously aromatic and nutty flavor. Additionally, they can be used in dishes such as stewed pork legs or bone soup, which are beneficial for health. During chestnut season, traders visit orchards before each market to purchase chestnuts for resale at district and provincial markets.

Note that it's important to distinguish Cao Bằng chestnuts from those of China. Cao Bằng chestnuts are more expensive, selling for 100,000 - 150,000 VND/kg, twice the price of Chinese chestnuts. Furthermore, Chinese chestnuts are available year-round, larger in size, with round nuts, lacking fuzzy husks, and having white interiors.

According to Mytour

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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook

MytourNovember 9, 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Trùng Khánh chestnuts a unique culinary specialty from Cao Bằng?

Trùng Khánh chestnuts are renowned for their exquisite sweet and savory aroma, unique flavor, and large size, making them a beloved delicacy. Grown in fertile soil and a favorable climate, they provide an unparalleled culinary experience, especially when boiled or roasted.

How do local cultivation practices enhance the quality of Trùng Khánh chestnuts?

Strict cultivation practices in Trùng Khánh, including planting on hillsides at 450-600m elevation and ensuring proper spacing, contribute significantly to the chestnuts' quality. These methods, combined with natural conditions, result in larger, more flavorful chestnuts that are highly sought after.

What harvesting methods are commonly used for Trùng Khánh chestnuts?

Harvesting Trùng Khánh chestnuts involves either using bamboo poles to shake the trees or allowing the nuts to fall naturally when ripe. Once fallen, local gardeners collect the chestnuts, which are characterized by their spiky exterior and may contain one to three nuts inside.

How do Cao Bằng chestnuts differ from Chinese chestnuts in terms of quality and price?

Cao Bằng chestnuts are more expensive, ranging from 100,000 to 150,000 VND/kg, and are considered superior to Chinese chestnuts. Unlike the round and larger Chinese varieties, Cao Bằng chestnuts are larger, have dark brown shells, fuzzy husks, and yellow kernels.

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