Preserving the traditional craft of making shrimp paste in Binh An commune.

(KGO) - Despite numerous ups and downs, the traditional craft of making shrimp paste in Binh An commune, Kien Luong district (Kien Giang province) is still preserved and provides a livelihood for many households.

In Binh An commune, Kien Luong district, tourists can not only visit many famous scenic spots such as Hang Pagoda, Hon Phu Tu, Mo So mountain, etc., but also have the opportunity to enjoy some local specialties, including Crocodile Cave shrimp paste.

Ms. Chau Thi My Linh, owner of Ba Ut shrimp paste production facility, inspects the quality of fermented shrimp paste.

Crocodile Cave shrimp paste has won over many discerning customers with its savory, rich flavor and distinctive aroma. The difference that creates the brand of this traditional shrimp paste lies not only in the processing secret but also in the source of the ingredients.

Compared to many other places, the shrimp paste here is made from fresh shrimp caught by fishermen in the nearshore waters of Kien Luong. The shrimp are small, uniform in size, with thin shells, sweet and clean flesh, and contain few impurities such as sand and pebbles. Immediately after being caught, the shrimp are processed and salted on the same day, never left overnight to preserve their freshness and sweetness. This careful selection of raw materials creates a rich, fragrant shrimp paste with a distinct flavor, unlike similar products on the market.

In the shrimp paste making hamlet of Ba Nui, Binh An commune, nearly 30 households are engaged in this trade. Comrade Danh Hung, Secretary of the Party Branch and Head of Ba Nui hamlet, Binh An commune, stated: “The shrimp paste making profession has existed for over 100 years. Initially, only a few households practiced it, but gradually more and more families have taken up the trade. Shrimp paste making has become the main source of income for many families, providing stable jobs for hundreds of local workers, including many elderly women and those who cannot work far from home.”

Ms. Chau Thi Muoi, residing in Ba Nui hamlet, Binh An commune, has been involved in the shrimp-pushing profession for nearly 40 years, a job that has helped her raise and educate her two children. Ms. Muoi said: “Although shrimp-pushing is hard work, dependent on the weather and tides, it provides a decent income. On a good day out at sea, if we hit a good spot, we can collect 300-400 kg of shrimp. Selling them to fish sauce producers brings in 3-4 million VND per day. After deducting all expenses, it's enough to cover living expenses and pay for my children's education.”

Customers inquire about shrimp paste products at Ba Ut's shrimp paste facility in Binh An commune (Kien Luong district).

Following in the footsteps of her grandmother and mother, Ms. Chau Thi My Linh, owner of the Ba Ut shrimp paste production facility in Ba Nui hamlet, Binh An commune (Kien Luong district), has 40 years of experience in processing shrimp paste. Ms. Linh said: “Since I was little, my grandmother and mother taught me how to mix and marinate the shrimp paste to achieve the right flavor – not too salty, not too bland – and how to ferment it to develop a beautiful color and an attractive aroma. Initially, we only made shrimp paste for home use, gifts, and sales at small markets in the commune and district. Recently, our family's shrimp paste has become well-known and sought after by tourists visiting the area . Customers praise its delicious taste, leading to increasing support. I boldly invested in grinding and mixing machines, expanded production, and hired nearly 10 more workers to meet demand. We estimate that the facility produces 7-8 tons of finished shrimp paste annually.”

The traditional craft of making shrimp paste in Binh An commune was recognized by the Provincial People's Committee in 2017. To preserve and protect this traditional craft from fading away, Kien Luong district has implemented many policies to support production facilities in improving quality, refining processes, ensuring hygiene and food safety, and building brands.

The district also facilitates businesses in registering trademarks and applying for OCOP product recognition. To date, two shrimp paste products have achieved OCOP 3-star certification and have been selected as local specialty products to be promoted at events and conferences inside and outside the district, helping producers access and expand their markets.

Text and photos: THUY TRANG

Source: https://www.baokiengiang.vn/kinh-te/giu-gin-nghe-truyen-thong-lam-mam-ruoc-o-xa-binh-an-26741.html