Khe Coc - a unique tea-growing region nestled amidst the hills of Vo Tranh.

Khe Coc, Vo Tranh commune, is one of the typical tea-producing areas of Thai Nguyen province. Thanks to the cool climate and fertile soil, the tea plants thrive, producing tea with a unique flavor. Alongside traditional midland tea, purple tea is contributing to the richness of the product range and creating a distinctive mark for this tea-growing region.

A corner of the Khe Coc tea plantation, Vo Tranh commune.

The Khe Coc tea growing area comprises four hamlets: Bai Bang, Minh Hop, Dap Tran, and Khe Coc, with a total current area of ​​over 300 hectares. These tea plantations were established around 1975, linked to the formation of a new economic zone by people from the lowlands and the careful cultivation and inheritance of the local people over many generations.

Thanks to its cool climate, suitable humidity, and the unique soil characteristics of the midland region, Khe Coc is a very suitable area for tea cultivation. Currently, more than 90% of the region's tea growing area is planted with midland tea, a long-standing traditional tea variety. Although its yield is not as high as newer hybrid tea varieties, Khe Coc midland tea stands out for its quality, with a clear green brew, natural aroma, mild astringency, and a deep, sweet aftertaste, creating a unique and unmistakable character.

Mr. To Van Khiem, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Khe Coc Safe Tea Cooperative, shared: "The Khe Coc region has a unique climate, warmer in winter and cooler in summer due to its location in a basin, creating conditions for tea plants to grow stably year-round. Preserving the traditional midland tea varieties has significantly contributed to the quality of Khe Coc tea, with its natural flavor and distinctive depth."

Having undergone nearly half a century of formation and development, the Khe Coc tea region is not only famous for its traditional green tea but has also gradually diversified its products. In recent years, purple tea, a unique product line rich in bioactive compounds and possessing a distinct color and flavor, has been introduced into production by the local people.

The development of purple tea contributes to enriching local tea products while increasing their economic value. This is considered a suitable direction in line with market trends, as consumers are increasingly interested in specialty teas that are beneficial to health. Purple tea is gradually becoming a new highlight, creating more options for tea growers alongside traditional midland tea varieties.

Sharing about the characteristics of purple tea, Ms. Truong Thi Thoa, a member of the Thai Ninh Tea Cooperative and the household with the largest purple tea plantation in the commune, with 2 hectares in Minh Hop hamlet, said: Purple tea has a lower yield than traditional green tea, but it is a medicinal tea. The tea liquor is dark in color and not visually appealing, but it is favored by many people because of its health benefits, especially in helping to reduce blood fat.

Members of the Thai Ninh Tea Cooperative harvest purple tea.

Purple tea buds have a distinctive color.

Mr. Pham Van Du, 90 years old, who was instrumental in propagating purple tea plants and planting them widely in the village, added: Purple tea originally comes from midland tea plants. Some plants naturally transformed into purple, and then they were propagated by cuttings and planted on high hills. In reality, the plants grow vigorously, are drought-resistant, and adapt well to the terrain conditions of Khe Coc.

Besides its economic value, tea cultivation is closely intertwined with the cultural life of the local people. For generations, tea growing and processing has become a traditional activity, contributing to preserving the identity of the midland region. Along with this, the potential for developing experiential tourism associated with green tea hills, purple tea, and organic tea is gradually being exploited, helping Khe Coc become more widely known.

According to Mr. Bui Phuong Thao, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Vo Tranh commune, the locality is focusing on implementing many solutions to support people in developing the Khe Coc tea growing area in a sustainable direction, from applying advanced techniques and improving product quality to building brands and expanding consumption markets.

Thanks to favorable climate and soil conditions, combined with traditional tea varieties and the diligence of tea growers, the Khe Coc tea region is gradually asserting its unique position within the Thai Nguyen tea region. The harmonious combination of traditional values ​​and new development directions opens up long-term prospects, making Khe Coc a highlight in the development of high-quality tea and contributing to elevating the brand of Thai Nguyen tea.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/kinh-te/202601/khe-coc-vung-che-dac-biet-giua-nui-doi-vo-tranh-1080de5/