Top 14 High-Value Fruit Specialties of Vietnam

The sandy land of Vung Tau is exceptionally suitable for growing Golden Flesh Xuong Longan. The soil here is rich in potassium, producing incredibly sweet fruit like no other. Currently, there are around 700 hectares of land used for longan cultivation in Vung Tau, mainly in the districts of Dat Do, Xuyen Moc, Tan Thanh, and Vung Tau City. During the harvest season, the average yield reaches 4 tons per hectare, and after 7 years, the yield stabilizes at 80-150 kg per tree. With proper care, farmers can achieve 12 tons per hectare in the 8th year. Today, Golden Flesh Xuong Longan is widely cultivated in the Mekong Delta, making it more accessible. This means you no longer need to travel to Vung Tau to enjoy these delicious longans.

Golden Flesh Xuong Longan is grown from seeds and thrives in sandy loam soil. The fruit has a thick, golden flesh, with a dry, crispy texture, and a delicious sweetness that is highly favored in the market. The fruit is distinctive for its boat-like shape, and when ripe, it has a golden-brown skin with thick, dry pulp, giving it a crispy and sweet flavor. To ensure the longans are of top quality, check the fruit's size and ensure it has thick skin, small seeds, and a juicy, sweet taste. Nowadays, Golden Flesh Xuong Longan has become one of the high-value export commodities, contributing significantly to the local economy of Vung Tau.

Many people are often puzzled by how a grapefruit can be green and still edible, wondering if it will taste bitter, especially when the flesh is pink and the fruit has no seeds. In reality, this fruit has far more unique qualities. In Ben Tre, it is considered a 'clean' fruit, meaning it is free from preservatives and pesticides, and can be stored for up to 15 days without spoiling. When eaten, it is neither sour nor bitter and is very mild in flavor. While imported fruits may cost hundreds of thousands per kilogram, who needs to compare when we have high-quality, safe fruits like Green Skin Grapefruit available locally at affordable prices? Not only is it highly regarded within Vietnam, but Green Skin Grapefruit is also a valuable export item to other countries.

The origin of Green Skin Grapefruit dates back a long time, with some saying it comes from My Thach An commune in Ben Tre, while others claim it first grew in Thanh Tan, Mo Cay, also in Ben Tre. Today, Green Skin Grapefruit is widespread across the Mekong Delta. Studies show that this fruit is packed with vitamins, trace minerals, and other beneficial compounds. In just 100g of grapefruit, you get 59 kcal of energy, as well as calcium (30 mg), phosphorus (21 mg), and iron (0.7 mg). It also contains a variety of vitamins like C, A, B1, and B2. With its refreshing, sweet taste and natural sugars, Green Skin Grapefruit is ideal for a healthy diet without worrying about weight gain. This fruit is most abundant in the fall and winter, offering a cooling sensation and plenty of hydration, making it perfect for dry, cold days. In traditional medicine, Green Skin Grapefruit is also known for its numerous health benefits.

This is a specialty fruit from Vinh Kim commune, Chau Thanh district, Tien Giang province. The name Lo Ren Milk Apple comes from a blacksmith who created this variety and initially grew it in his own garden. After discovering how delicious the fruit was, he shared it with the people of Vinh Kim, who later named the fruit after the blacksmith, calling it Lo Ren. The fruit is round, with a thin skin, white color, small seeds, and thick flesh. When ripe, the skin turns a light pinkish yellow. After receiving the GlobalGAP certification, the Lo Ren Milk Apple brand from Vinh Kim has gained popularity, and many partners both domestically and internationally have signed contracts for export and distribution. Today, Lo Ren Milk Apple is found in supermarkets across the country, especially in the North, and is expanding into European markets.

The Lo Ren Milk Apple is very distinctive. The fruit is large and round, with the largest ones being even bigger than a rice bowl. The skin is pale green, and when ripe, it turns a purple or reddish color with a greenish tint. When you cut it open, a small amount of white, milky juice flows out. The flesh is fragrant, soft, and sweet with a refreshing taste. Not only renowned in Vietnam, Lo Ren Milk Apple is also exported worldwide. The sweet taste of the Vinh Kim Lo Ren Milk Apple has won the hearts of many, from local consumers to international friends. During a hot afternoon, there is nothing more satisfying than enjoying freshly picked Lo Ren Milk Apples, which are sweet and juicy. The Lo Ren Milk Apple season typically starts in September and lasts until April, with the peak harvest in November and December. So, if you want to see these ripe, heavy fruits hanging on the tree, or taste the fresh sweetness of the fruit right after it's picked, visiting Vinh Kim during this time is the perfect opportunity.

Rambutan in season is considered a must-try specialty of Vinh Long, perfect for anyone visiting the area during harvest time. Rambutan trees bear fruit after around three years of growth, and Vinh Long is home to many different varieties. From the long, round, deep red rambutan with soft spines and a rich sweetness, to the short-spined round Java rambutan with crisp, sweet flesh, there is something for everyone. Additionally, there are also smaller rambutan varieties, like the ‘Nhãn’ rambutan, which retains a yellow-green skin when ripe and offers a rich sweetness with a faint lychee aroma, much beloved by locals. The rambutan season in Vinh Long runs from May to July, and during this time, the region is filled with vibrant red rambutan orchards. Especially notable is An Bình Island on the Tien River, known for its Bình Hòa Phước rambutan – sweet, with a unique flavor that sets it apart from other varieties across the country. Locals say that visiting the Tien River and missing out on Bình Hòa Phước rambutan would be a “missed opportunity.”

In the rambutan orchards, visitors can pick and enjoy as many fruits as they like. The joy of eating rambutan is best experienced standing under the tree, enjoying the sweet, fresh fruits. For those looking to take some home, it's easy to pick a few kilograms and carry them in a bag for just a symbolic price – the orchard owners are very generous. Java Rambutan is widely grown in Bình Hòa Phước Island. This special fruit of the region is cultivated on over 400 hectares of land following Global Gap standards, yielding over 1,000 tons annually. Local farmers have formed cooperatives, receiving training on proper cultivation techniques to ensure high-quality produce for export, primarily to China and Europe, which provides significant economic benefits. If you plan a trip to the Mekong Delta, don’t forget to visit the rambutan orchards during harvest season.

Chợ Lách district, located at the narrowest part of Minh Islet, boasts a network of winding canals and fertile soil, making it the perfect environment for growing mangosteen. The climate here is temperate, creating ideal growing conditions for this prized fruit. Mangosteen was introduced to Chợ Lách over 100 years ago, and since then, it has become deeply intertwined with the local culture. Today, the district cultivates nearly 1,300 hectares of mangosteen, with the most concentrated growth in areas like Vĩnh Thành, Long Thới, Tân Thiềng, and Vĩnh Hòa. In Long Thới, approximately half of the 4,000 households are involved in mangosteen farming.

Traditionally, mangosteen was grown from seed, which took a long time to bear fruit. However, local farmers have discovered that grafting is a more efficient method, allowing the trees to bear fruit earlier and produce larger, more attractive fruit with smooth, glossy skin and a light, powdery coating. The Chợ Lách mangosteen is known for its multiple segments and very few seeds, with most fruits containing just one large seed, while the rest are tiny and often empty. The flesh is fragrant, sweet, and rich, offering a full, satisfying flavor. Mangosteen thrives best in tropical monsoon climates, particularly in southwestern Vietnam, especially Bến Tre. As a result, Chợ Lách mangosteen is in high demand and highly sought after on the market. Efforts to improve fruit quality and yield are continuously being made by both the local government and farmers to ensure the sustainability of this rare and precious fruit.

While pineapples are not an uncommon fruit in Vietnam, the Bến Lức pineapple is a unique and lesser-known variety, even to many locals. Externally, it looks similar to other pineapple types grown throughout the country, but once you taste it, you'll realize it offers a completely different flavor that will leave a lasting impression. Bến Lức, a region in Long An, is known as one of the top pineapple-growing areas, and contrary to what one might think about the acidic, saline soil, the conditions here allow the fruit to thrive. The result is an exceptionally sweet, aromatic fruit that stands out from other varieties in the market.

The Bến Lức pineapple boasts a delightful balance of mild sweetness and a slight tanginess, combined with a tantalizing fragrance that awakens all of your senses. The taste is like no other pineapple you've ever experienced, and one bite will convince you of its distinct quality. Not only is this pineapple perfect for eating fresh, but it is also a popular ingredient for refreshing pineapple juice during hot summer months. Additionally, it's used in many savory dishes, such as stir-fried beef with pineapple, pineapple and pig liver stir-fry, and sweet and sour pineapple soup. In traditional medicine, the Bến Lức pineapple is also valued for its digestive benefits, immune-boosting properties, and detoxification abilities. With such exceptional qualities, it's no wonder the Bến Lức pineapple has become a beloved fruit enjoyed by many.

The Bình Thuận dragon fruit is known for its vibrant red skin and its distinct, refreshing taste. While not very large in size, it is distinguishable from dragon fruits grown in the Mekong Delta regions like Tiền Giang and Long An. Known for its delicious, mild sweetness, this fruit has earned a reputation for being both nourishing and easy to cultivate. Today, Bình Thuận accounts for 90% of the country's dragon fruit exports, helping to establish this 'wild' yet unique Vietnamese fruit on the global stage. Its gentle sweetness and detoxifying properties make it particularly refreshing during the hot summer months. Additionally, studies have shown that dragon fruit can help treat common conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis.

Currently, over 30 provinces in Vietnam grow dragon fruit, but Bình Thuận leads with the largest cultivation area, covering more than 22,000 hectares—accounting for over 70% of the national total. The province produces around 500,000 tons of dragon fruit each year. Farmers typically propagate the fruit asexually using cuttings, known as 'hom.' In about 3-4 months, the plants begin to climb support structures and produce buds. After another 8 months of care, the buds bloom, and within 1.5 months, the fruit ripens and is ready for harvest. The rainy season is ideal for dragon fruit pollination, with the plants starting to bear fruit after 12 months of planting. After about 3 years of nurturing, the plants yield high and stable harvests. With an estimated lifespan of 10-20 years, dragon fruit is a long-term investment for local farmers.

Durian is a fruit known for its strong, distinctive aroma, beloved by many for its rich flavor and high nutritional value. In Tiền Giang, the Ngũ Hiệp durian has been certified for safe production under the VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards. Additionally, the Vietnamese Intellectual Property Office has granted a collective trademark to Ngũ Hiệp Durian (Trademark No. 79199). The name 'Ngũ Hiệp durian' originates from the Ngũ Hiệp commune in Cai Lậy district, Tiền Giang, where the majority of the durian plantations are located. This area is often referred to as the 'durian kingdom' since up to 90% of the local farms grow durian. The Tiền Giang durian is unique, with a thin shell, small seeds, and golden, thick, dry flesh that is rich, sweet, and fragrant. The fruit typically grows to a medium-sized jackfruit.

The Ngũ Hiệp durian bears fruit year-round, but the peak season is from April to June. Visitors to Tiền Giang should not miss the opportunity to buy fresh durian as a souvenir. Currently, Cai Lậy district in Tiền Giang has approximately 9,013 hectares dedicated to durian cultivation, producing an annual yield of 197,119 tons, with an average productivity of 22 tons per hectare. The specialized durian cultivation areas are concentrated in the communes of Ngũ Hiệp, Tam Bình, Long Trung, Long Tiên, Hội Xuân, Long Khánh, Cẩm Sơn, Phú An, and Hiệp Đức, all within Cai Lậy district. The Ngũ Hiệp durian has earned certifications for safe production, ensuring its quality for both local and international markets.

Anyone passing through Vĩnh Long during the right season will surely not forget to buy a few Vĩnh Long Năm Roi pomelos as a gift. Năm Roi is a renowned pomelo variety discovered and propagated by Mr. Trần Văn Bưởi from Phú Hữu A commune in Châu Thành district, Hậu Giang province. Although it originates from Hậu Giang, Vĩnh Long has become the most fertile region for this variety. The name 'Năm Roi' comes from a charming tale: Mr. Bưởi, wanting to protect this delicious variety, threatened his grandchildren that whoever picked a fruit would receive a punishment of five lashes. Over time, Năm Roi has become a beloved fruit for many. This pomelo has a smooth green skin, shaped like a pear, with a diameter of about 20cm. The peel is thin, with small, slightly rough bumps scattered across the surface. When eaten, it offers a sweet and slightly sour flavor, refreshing, crispy, and juicy—qualities unmatched by any other pomelo variety.

In addition to being enjoyed fresh for its health benefits, Năm Roi pomelo is also used in various dishes such as pomelo salad, and as a refreshing addition to hotpot dishes like mắm hotpot or fish hotpot. In Vĩnh Long, Năm Roi has become not only a favorite food but also a golden asset for local farmers. Currently, Bình Minh district in Vĩnh Long has the largest Năm Roi pomelo cultivation area in the province, covering nearly 2,000 hectares, yielding around 80,000 tons annually. Not only does the quantity impress, but the quality is also exceptional, with high safety standards. Most farmers here grow the fruit according to VietGap standards, with GlobalGAP certification, ensuring its presence in global markets like the USA, Europe, and the Middle East. The pomelo has thus become a symbol of Vĩnh Long's agricultural identity, contributing significantly to the region's economy and elevating the reputation of Vietnamese fruit on the world stage.

Known for its high economic value, the Diễn Pomelo is a famous delicacy from Phường Phúc Diễn, Bắc Từ Liêm, Hanoi, located just 15 km from the city center. This area is renowned for its pomelos, which have a unique fragrance and a sweet taste that captivates anyone who tries them. The Diễn pomelo is relatively small, weighing between 0.8kg and 1kg. It has a distinctive aroma, with firm, dry segments, thin skin, and juicy, golden pulp that offers a sweet, almost honey-like flavor with a refreshing, delicate taste. On the market, each Diễn pomelo can sell for between 60,000 to 100,000 VND. A hectare of Diễn pomelos can yield an income of 60 to 70 million VND per year. With such high economic value, many regions have started cultivating this variety. The Diễn pomelo tree is easy to grow and adapts well to various soil types. The best quality fruits come from well-established, non-hybrid trees. The F1 propagation method yields the best results when using healthy, mature trees for grafting.

The Diễn Pomelo has a bright yellow color and a fresh, inviting aroma. According to tradition, it symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. Historically, Diễn pomelos were considered a royal gift, often reserved for the emperor. They are also a quintessential part of Hanoi’s Tet celebrations. The pomelo tree blooms in early spring, and by the time autumn arrives, the branches are heavy with ripe, golden fruit. Even before the fruit appears, the scent of the pomelos fills the air, enchanting passersby. Unlike other pomelos, which ripen around August, the Diễn pomelo is best enjoyed during the Tet holiday when the fruit is dried out a little and its flavor intensifies. The older the tree, the smaller the fruit becomes, but its sweetness and fragrance become more refined and complex. When the tree reaches 15 to 20 years of age, the pomelos are about the size of a small bowl, with thin skin, juicy pulp, and an incomparable taste.

Canh orange is another high-value crop in Hanoi, especially in the Từ Liêm region. Like the Diễn pomelo, Canh orange is known for its rich sweetness and vibrant yellow-orange peel. This variety has been cultivated for years in Vân Canh, Xuân Phương, and Nam Từ Liêm in Hanoi. The Canh orange is now one of the most economically beneficial crops in the area. A single hectare of Canh oranges can yield 50 to 60 million VND per year, a far higher return compared to other fruit crops. During the harvest season, the price can range between 30,000 and 50,000 VND per kilogram. Full of vitamin C, limonoid compounds, and other nutrients, Canh oranges are not only a delicious treat but also serve as a natural remedy in some cases, such as treating colds and fevers, slowing cholesterol production, and preventing certain types of cancer. Regular consumption of Canh oranges is also beneficial for weight loss, improving skin health, and reducing blood fat. It's an excellent fruit for diabetics, as it supports overall health and provides essential vitamins.

Along with the Diễn pomelo, Canh orange belongs to the citrus family, known for its refreshing, sweet taste. Authentic Vân Canh oranges are irresistible to anyone who tastes them, which is why they’re in such high demand, despite their fluctuating prices. In Vân Canh village, it’s now difficult to find Canh oranges for sale because not many families grow them. As a result, many people pre-order months in advance, often placing orders in September for the harvest months of November and December. However, if you plan to visit an orange orchard, you’re always welcome, as orchard owners are eager to share the journey of growing and caring for these prized fruits. Since ancient times, Hanoi’s food enthusiasts have made it a tradition to travel to Vân Canh village during the Tet holiday season to purchase Canh oranges, a gift for guests or a token of goodwill for family members. During the Tet holiday, placing a few Canh oranges on the family altar has long been a symbol of prosperity and a true reflection of Hanoi's festive spirit. Even today, many families continue this cherished custom.

Longan Lồng has long been a famous product of Hưng Yên province in northern Vietnam. It has become a trademark of the area, a symbol of pride for the land and its people. Hưng Yên is well known for its historical and cultural significance, famously saying: “First is Kinh Kỳ, second is Phố Hiến.” The longan of Phố Hiến, particularly the Hương Chi variety, is one of the oldest and most prized. Unlike the southern lồng longan, this specific variety from Hưng Yên is renowned for its abundant harvests, rich fragrance, and perfectly round fruit. The trees thrive in the fertile land nourished by the silt of the Red River, resulting in branches that bend under the weight of the fruit, sometimes even touching the ground.

Longan Lồng blooms during the spring, typically when there’s light rain and cool weather. On sunny days, the fragrance fills the air, captivating all who pass by. Though longan is now grown in many places with similar climates, only the longan of Hưng Yên offers the distinctive, delightful taste and aroma that makes it stand out. The sweet, rare flavor has earned it the nickname “nature's gift” to this region. During the peak harvest season in July and August, Hưng Yên becomes a longan kingdom, with thousands of trees laden with fruit. The streets are bustling as people come to purchase the sweet fruit. Longan Lồng from Hưng Yên is large, round, with a light brownish-yellow skin, and a thick, dry flesh. When peeled, the inner flesh is creamy white, crisp, and full of sweetness. The taste is refreshing, with a subtle, pure fragrance that lingers, unlike any other longan.

Originating from the Red River Delta, lychee was brought to Bắc Giang in what seemed like a fateful match, where the perfect harmony of soil, climate, and land gave birth to this uniquely sweet and fragrant fruit. The lychee variety in Bắc Giang is the smallest of all types, with slightly rounded fruit. The fruit has a rough skin, ripens to a rich red color, and contains a smooth, black seed or no seed at all. The flesh is thick, juicy, and sweet with a distinctive fragrance. The fruit weighs about 18-20g, with 72-80% of that being fleshy pulp that’s easy to peel, releasing a sweet aroma. Lychee is commonly enjoyed fresh, dried, or canned, and it’s also used in traditional medicine for ailments like diarrhea, mouth ulcers, and dental pain, as well as for its skin beautifying properties.

Lychee from Lục Ngạn, Bắc Giang is particularly famous. When ripened, the fruit turns a bright red, has a thick white flesh, small seeds, and is especially sweet and juicy. Lục Ngạn lychees are highly sought after both domestically and internationally. The harvest season begins in early June and lasts until mid-month. The sight of vast orchards filled with bright red lychees is a quintessential image of Lục Ngạn. The lychee season lasts for about a month, though it can vary slightly depending on the weather. The lychees from Lục Ngạn are exported to many international markets, including the EU, China, Japan, and Eastern Europe. Because of their high quality, Lục Ngạn lychees command a higher price than other varieties.

Hoa Loc Mango is one of the most famous mango varieties in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, known for its appealing color, delicious flavor, and high nutritional value. In recent years, Hoa Loc Mango has significantly contributed to the economy of Ben Tre and Dong Thap provinces. When ripe, the skin of the mango turns a light yellow, with bright yellow flesh, a small seed, a pleasant fragrance, and a sweet taste. The flesh has a smooth texture with very little fiber. While still green, it has a stronger sour taste, but once ripe, it becomes sweet and carries its signature aroma. The average fruit weighs between 350g - 450g, and it resembles the Cát Chu variety. Hoa Loc Mango is especially fragrant when ripened, with a strong, distant aroma that can be sensed even from several meters away. The mango is named after Hoa Loc village in Tien Giang province, where it was first cultivated, and this area is now one of the largest fruit-growing regions in Cai Be district, Tien Giang.

In Tien Giang, Hoa Loc Mango is primarily grown in Cai Be district, with more than 1,000 hectares producing around 15,000 tons annually, spread across 13 communes. It is also cultivated in other areas. The origin of Hoa Loc Mango dates back to the Hoa Loc village in the former Giaoduc district (now known as Hoa commune in Cai Be), located in the fertile alluvial soil by the river. This region's rich soil is ideal for the mango's growth. Due to its exceptional quality and flavor, Hoa Loc Mango is now produced on an industrial scale. However, many people believe that mangoes grown outside their original area do not match the taste and quality of the fruit from the birthplace. Today, the Hoa Loc Mango brand dominates the local market and is also expanding internationally, reaching selective markets in Europe, providing high economic returns for local farmers and attracting tourists to the Mekong Delta's orchard tours.