Central Vietnam district turns red with ripening Burmese grapes

By Son Thuy September 17, 2020 | 05:57 am PT

Ripening Burmese grapes have covered Tien Phuoc District in Quang Nam Province with their red hue since mid September.

Tien Phuoc, dubbed the Burmese-grape capital of Quang Nam, has a few of the fruit trees in virtually every house. The tree, known scientifically as Baccaurea sapida, began to be grown after some locals fancied the sweet and sour taste of its fruit.

Virtually every house in Tien Phuoc, dubbed the Burmese-grape capital of Quang Nam, has a few of the fruit trees. The tree, known scientifically as Baccaurea sapida, began to be grown after some locals fancied the sweet and sour taste of its fruit.

Despite not having great economic value, Burmese grape trees play a big role in daily life in the district, with their trunks acting as natural fences and large foliages providing shade in gardens.
The trees grow 10-20 metres, and are found mainly in Tien Tho Commune with 4,000 trees.

In late summer, the yellow and red fruits grow on the the trees’ trunks and large branches. Due to its recent domestication, the tree retains some of its hardy natural traits like being easy to grow and tend.

The yellow and red fruits grow on the trees’ trunks and large branches. The trees in Tien Phuoc District retain some of its hardy natural traits like being easy to grow and tend.

The tree fruit prolifically, covering the landscape in bright red.

In Tien Phuoc District, visitors often get invited into locals’ gardens to enjoy the fruit.

Nguyen Tuan (pictured) of Tien Tho Commune said: "2020 is not a great year. My family could only harvest a few hundred kilograms this year," adding that a kilogram fetches VND3,000-5,000 ($0.13-0.22).

Visitors often get invited into locals’ gardens to enjoy the fruit.

[But 2020 was not a great year. My family could only harvest a few hundred kilograms this year, Nguyen Xuan Ba of Tien Tho Commune said. A kilogram fetches VND3000-5000 ($0.13 to 0.22). Burmese grapes have a high content of polyphenol and anthocyanin, two important anti-oxidants, making them a healthy addition to the local diet. The fruits are sold by vendors along National Route (??) 40B in Tien Phuoc District.

Burmese grapes have a high content of polyphenol and anthocyanin, two important anti-oxidants, making them a healthy addition to the local diet.
In the picture, the fruits are sold by vendors along National Road 40B which passes through Tien Phuoc District.