Phuc Trach pomelos are primarily grown in four communes: Phuc Trach, Huong Trach, Huong Do, and Loc Yen (Huong Khe district, Ha Tinh province ). Some neighboring communes also cultivate this variety; however, according to local authorities, the best-tasting pomelos are still grown in Phuc Trach commune. Therefore, this pomelo variety has been given the name Phuc Trach.
According to the investigation results of the Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute and the Department of Science, Technology and Environment of Ha Tinh province, the fine, deep clay soil mixed with alluvial soil deposited annually by the Ngan Sau River, combined with the cool microclimate unaffected by the Lao wind (due to being surrounded by the Khai Truong mountain range – also known as Giang Man mountain and Thien Nhan mountain to the east and west), are the ideal conditions for the four communes to grow a unique and delicious pomelo variety.
During the French colonial period, Phuc Trach pomelos participated in the "Fragrant Flowers and Sweet Fruits of Indochina" competition, and one farmer in the area received an award for the best pomelo. In 2002, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development recognized Phuc Trach pomelos as one of seven rare fruit varieties whose seeds are prohibited from export. In 2004, the Intellectual Property Office (Ministry of Science and Technology) granted a trademark registration certificate for Phuc Trach pomelos – Huong Khe. In 2006, Phuc Trach pomelos were honored to be selected as one of the few fruits to be brought to the APEC Conference held in Hanoi. In November 2010, the Intellectual Property Office granted a geographical indication registration certificate for "Phuc Trach" pomelos to 14 communes in Huong Khe district under Decision No. 2180/QD-SHTT. Subsequently, Phuc Trach pomelo from Huong Khe district was granted a geographical indication registration certificate by the Intellectual Property Office for the product "Pomelo fruit," covering a geographical area of 19 communes in the district. This is also one of 39 geographical indications in Vietnam that the European Union committed to protecting since August 1, 2020.
Currently, the total cultivated area in the 19 communes within the Phuc Trach pomelo geographical indication zone is nearly 3,000 hectares, of which nearly 2,000 hectares are in the fruiting stage; there are 160 enterprises, cooperatives, and production groups, and nearly 2,800 households involved in production. The total annual output is over 21,000 tons, with a yield of over 12 tons/ha. The Phuc Trach pomelo production process adheres to VietGAP standards on 800 hectares; 7 hectares are in the process of obtaining GlobalGAP certification, and nearly 2,000 hectares follow organic and traditional production methods.
Phuc Trach pomelos are round and spherical, with width and height nearly equal. The stem is not protruding, the base is slightly concave, the peel is neither smooth nor rough, yellowish-green in color, the segments are easily separated, and the flesh is light pink or translucent white, dry yet juicy, with a sweet and refreshing taste and a light aroma, making for a very pleasant eating experience. Each fruit usually weighs 1-1.5 kg, with 14-16 segments. Phuc Trach pomelo trees have a relatively long lifespan; in the first few years, the yield is relatively low, but from the 6th year onwards, the harvest is quite stable. The most abundant fruiting occurs when the tree is 11-15 years old. Older trees over 20 years old still yield high productivity, and some trees over 60 years old still produce 50-150 fruits. The older the tree, the tastier and sweeter the fruit. Considering its lifespan and long-term fruiting ability, Phuc Trach pomelos surpass other citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and tangerines.
The peak season for Phuc Trach pomelos is from around July to September according to the lunar calendar. Each year, the pomelo harvest is insufficient to meet the demand both within and outside the province. People have tried to cultivate this variety in other places, and have done so with great care, but the result is that the fruit never tastes as good as pomelos grown in Phuc Trach, the "pomelo land" of the region.
Besides its nutritional value and delicious sweetness, Phuc Trach pomelo is also very easy to preserve. Fresh pomelos last a long time without any chemicals. To preserve them, some families bury the pomelos in damp sand or apply lime to the stem and store them in a cool, airy place, which can keep them for 3 to 5 months. The peel may dry out slightly and change color, but the quality of the flesh inside remains delicious. Furthermore, the fruit has a thick, hard peel, so it is less likely to be damaged during long-distance transport, making Phuc Trach pomelo a suitable and easy-to-choose gift.
Author of the article: Quynh Trang
Source: https://dulichhatinh.com.vn/news/so-tay-du-lich/buoi-phuc-trach-1035/
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