Diversify palm products

As a specialty tree of the Seven Mountains region, palmyra palm is known to tourists from near and far through its characteristic sweet and fragrant sugar. However, local people also develop a variety of products from this unique tree.

Handicraft products from palm tree trunks of Tuong Vi production facility. Photo: THANH TIEN

Art from tree trunks

Palm trees provide local people with economic value from their old trunks. Mr. Nguyen Van Keo, who specializes in collecting palm juice, said: “From the time a palm tree grows above ground until it can be harvested, it takes more than 20 years. If you want good juice, add another 10 years. There are palm trees in Tinh Bien and Thoi Son wards that are hundreds of years old, spanning many generations. The trees that look weak and towering are all over a hundred years old, with very sturdy trunks.”

According to Mr. Keo, some people have invested in machinery to produce handicrafts from palm trees. Only when the trees are old and produce too little water will people consider this option, instead of cutting them down or leaving them to the elements. The trees that are cut down will be replaced by young trees, which will produce delicious water again after a few decades.

Developing palm handicraft products since 2009, Tuong Vi production facility in Tinh Bien ward has a lot of experience in this field. Ms. Tran Thi Kim Loan - representative of the facility said: "Palm trees that are about 150 years old will produce products of timeless quality. If the palm tree can survive through 3 generations of people, then the handicraft products from its trunk can also last for that long".

According to Ms. Kim Loan, Tuong Vi facility produces a variety of products including: Palm chopsticks, Palm teapots, Palm incense burners, Palm vases, etc. The products are enthusiastically received by customers in Can Tho City, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and the province. Product prices range from several million to tens of millions of VND depending on size and sophistication.

“I hope to participate in many networking events and promote products so that more people can know about the beauty created from the palm tree trunk. In fact, the palm tree brings many values ​​to the people of the Bay Nui region, not just making sugar as many people think. Like my family, we both make palm sugar and create handicraft products, contributing to increasing economic value,” said Ms. Kim Loan.

Ms. Lan Phuong promotes palm nectar products on the TikTok platform. Photo: THANH TIEN

Delicious palm nectar

With the goal of finding a new direction, Ms. Ly Hua Thi Lan Phuong - representative of the bird's nest and palm nectar brand Chan Phuong has successfully developed the palm nectar product. This is the result of a serious research process, learning from failures to create a product with a sweet, cool taste and rich in nutrients.

“The process of creating a standard palm nectar product is not easy. With my own determination, the dedication of the people, and the support of the local government, especially the Department of Science and Technology, I have achieved the results today. Besides the characteristic delicious taste, palm nectar has a low glycemic index, meeting the needs of modern consumers. Currently, I have developed bird's nest stewed with palm nectar, palm nectar syrup, thick palm nectar... I have registered exclusive protection for the bird's nest stewed with fresh palm nectar product", Ms. Lan Phuong informed.

Currently, Ms. Lan Phuong introduces and distributes products in specialty stores and organic product showrooms in and outside the province. At the same time, she exports to the US and Hong Kong markets and has been positively received. At the Mekong Delta OCOP Product Connection Forum in 2025, her products were approached and highly appreciated by people and visitors.

“I have coordinated with specialized units of the Department of Science and Technology to apply science and technology to the process of farming, exploiting raw materials, preserving and processing to preserve the nutrients and quintessential flavors of bird’s nest, palm nectar and medicinal herbs. My goal is to increase the value of the product, targeting specialized market segments rather than chasing large quantities,” Ms. Lan Phuong emphasized.

Diversifying products from the palm tree not only increases economic value but also opens up a sustainable direction, affirming the great potential of this specialty tree. Therefore, it is necessary to have the attention of all levels and sectors so that products from the palm tree can better access the market, contributing to improving the lives of people in the Bay Nui region.

THANH TIEN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/da-dang-hoa-san-pham-thot-not-a464938.html