Royal Bananas of Dai Hoang – The Majestic Delicacy from Ha Nam

Royal Bananas of Dai Hoang, cultivated in the village of Dai Hoang, Hoa Hau commune, Ly Nhan district, are among the distinctive fruits not only of Ha Nam but also of Vietnam as a whole.

Royal Bananas of Dai Hoang – The Majestic Delicacy from Ha Nam

In local history books, once a Tran dynasty king and his entourage descended from the Thang Long capital to rest at the Ly Nhan court, they tasted the local bananas. Impressed by the delicious flavor, the king bestowed rewards. Since then, the Dai Hoang village bananas were named Royal Bananas, or Bananas fit for a king.

According to the local tradition, during Tet holidays and ceremonial offerings, Royal Bananas of Dai Hoang with their delightful aroma are presented on the ancestral altar for a complete and abundant offering. Over the years, Royal Bananas have gained widespread recognition, becoming popular and holding high value in the market.

Royal Bananas of Dai Hoang come in three varieties: white royal bananas, buffalo royal bananas, and jackfruit royal bananas. White royal bananas are large, with ripe yellow, shiny peels, round and smooth fruits, emitting a fragrant aroma. Buffalo royal bananas are large, with ripe light yellow peels, and pale yellow fruit. Jackfruit royal bananas are small, with thin, deep yellow peels when ripe, and slightly pink and fragrant yellow flesh.

Ngự Bananas boast abundant potassium, amino acids, 11 types of minerals, and 6 vitamins. These bananas stay sweet and aromatic even when stored for weeks. Displaying them on the ancestral altar adds an elegant and dignified touch. Hence, towards the end of the year, these bananas are eagerly sought after and traded in a bustling market.

The cultivation and care of Ngự Bananas require meticulous techniques. They thrive in alluvial soil near rivers and streams, ensuring good drainage and moisture retention, with ample nitrogen and potassium. The strip of land along the Chau Giang River, besides being fertile, provides a climate conducive to the growth and development of these bananas with seasonal winds.

Ngự Bananas of Dai Hoang thrive in temperatures ranging from 26-28°C. The plants require ample water, especially during sprouting, flowering, and fruiting. Therefore, banana cultivators must maintain moisture, combat drought during the dry season, and prevent waterlogging during the rainy season.

Ngự Banana plants have tall, weak, brittle stems prone to breaking, so additional support columns are necessary when bearing fruit. Each banana clump should not have more than 3 shoots, meaning one mother plant and two offspring, preparing for the next generation.

To ensure that bananas meet quality standards, attention must be paid not only to cultivation techniques and care methods but also to the banana ripening process. Many banana growers have earthen vinegar chambers, using straw and ash to 'warm up' the bananas for ripening. In summer, it takes only 7 continuous hours of warming for the bananas to ripen, while in winter, it takes almost a full day.

The Ngự Bananas of Dai Hoang are now labeled and certified for food safety. They are widely consumed in many provinces and cities nationwide, including those in the southern regions. The people of Dai Hoang village have prospered in their banana cultivation, enriching many on their homeland.

As per Mytour

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour