Guangdong lime prices skyrocket along with popularity of hand-pounded lime tea

Vietnamese seedless lime varieties sell for VND15,000-20,000 (US$0.6-0.8) per kilogram, while the fruit imported from China costs VND55,000-60,000.

In August, when Guangdong lime was first imported, it cost as much as VND100,000.

Imported Guangdong limes in Vietnam. Photo by Hoang Nguyen

Thanh, who sells the fruit in Hanoi, said he constantly runs out of stock despite importing a ton daily.

Han, a lime wholesaler in Binh Phuoc Province, said large orders for the fruit are rolling in steadily regardless of the rising prices.

She said Guangdong lime is oval-shaped and large and has a thicker skin than its Vietnamese counterparts.

It has a distinct aroma of lemongrass and pomelo, perfect for making hand-pounded lime tea, which has become popular in Vietnam.

The drink sells like hot cakes around HCMC and Hanoi at VND20,000-35,000 a cup.

Hanh, who runs a tea shop in HCMC’s Binh Thanh District, said she sells over 100 cups of the beverage every day.

Hand-pounded lime tea has an alluring scent that is a mix of lemongrass, pomelo, lime leaves, and lime essential oil.