Fatty and crispy peanuts are quickly rolled by workers and mixed into the hot pineapple candy batch.
When "homegrown" products become specialties
Not only providing fresh fruit, Tan Phuoc pineapple is also an abundant source of raw materials, opening up creative space in the agricultural processing industry. This is the key factor to help increase the value of pineapple, from a simple fruit to a specialty product with a strong local imprint.
Ms. Pham Thi Bich Ngoc - owner of Tan Phuoc Pineapple Candy Production Facility (residing in My Loi Hamlet, Tan Phuoc 3 Commune) shared: “The idea of making pineapple candy came to me simply from the concern when seeing that grade 2 and grade 3 pineapples in the peak harvest season were often forced down in price by traders, and even had no place to sell. At first, I only handmade a few kilos of candy, gave it to my neighbors to try, they praised it as delicious and ordered a lot during parties, holidays, and Tet, so I started making more. I didn't expect that from that first batch of candy, a whole new path would open up for me."
From the first batches of candy to today's 3-star OCOP product is a process of challenge and perseverance. To have soft, chewy candy that still retains the fresh taste of pineapple and the rich aroma of peanuts, Ms. Ngoc and her family had to go through many failures. Some batches of candy were hard, some were too wet, making the candy soften quickly. "To get the desired candy is a process of "trial - error - learning - doing" without stopping. I had to throw away many unsatisfactory batches of candy to have the quality product like today", Ms. Ngoc confided.
Not stopping at the traditional recipe, Ms. Ngoc also innovated and launched many new product lines such as: pineapple ginger candy, pineapple salt and chili candy and is nurturing the development of pineapple jam cakes. The unique combination of the natural sweet and sour taste of pineapple with a little spicy ginger, spicy chili has created a unique, unmistakable mark of Tan Phuoc pineapple candy. This not only diversifies the product but also attracts more customer segments, expanding the consumption market.
Ms. Pham Thi Bich Ngoc - owner of Tan Phuoc Pineapple Candy Production Facility is always passionate about pineapple candy products.
Keep the traditional profession alive
Currently, Tan Phuoc Pineapple Candy Production Facility has invested in modern machinery such as jam making machines, candy cutting machines, and packaging machines to increase productivity, but the "soul" of Tan Phuoc pineapple candy is still preserved through the traditional wood-fired stove, which is heated every day.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Tuyen, who has nearly 10 years of experience in tending the fire for each batch of pineapple candy at Tan Phuoc Pineapple Candy Production Facility, shared: "Looking at the fire to make pineapple candy is easy but difficult, the fire must be continuous without interruption, if you use too little firewood, the pineapple candy will turn black, if you use too much firewood, the fire will burn, so you must keep the fire burning moderately. When the candy is ready, start adding maltose and kumquat to make the candy fragrant and chewy". It is the meticulousness and care in every detail, from peeling, pureeing pineapple to cooking candy, sprinkling sesame, pressing peanuts... all done by hand that creates the unique flavor of Tan Phuoc pineapple candy. Anyone who has ever tasted Tan Phuoc pineapple candy will surely find it hard to forget the sweet and sour taste, mixed with a bit of fatty, crunchy taste of freshly roasted peanuts.
Currently, Tan Phuoc pineapple candy products meet 3-star OCOP standards and are widely distributed in many provinces and cities across the country.
Tan Phuoc pineapple candy production facility consumes about 1.6 tons of grade 2 pineapple from farmers every day - a type of pineapple that is difficult to sell or sells at a low price. This not only solves the problem of stable output for farmers but also creates stable jobs for many local workers, especially rural women.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Trien, a pineapple processor at the facility, expressed her joy: “Thanks to working here, I have a daily income, and the work is also easy. Before, cutting pineapples to sell was very hard.”
From a small facility, starting with manual hands, Tan Phuoc pineapple candy has now achieved 3-star OCOP standards, has a QR code to trace its origin, carefully invested packaging and is widely distributed in many provinces, cities and on e-commerce platforms.
Mr. Le Huu Nghia - an employee of Tan Phuoc Pineapple Candy Factory (Tan Phuoc 3 Commune) shared: "On normal days, we make products according to orders, but on holidays and Tet, the factory works continuously, even employees have to work overtime to deliver to customers on time. Although some steps are still done manually, it is difficult, but each employee here is very proud to contribute a part of their efforts to create this specialty of this land. Each candy seems to bring the flavor and love of this alum land to other places." This is clear evidence of the effectiveness of developing deeply processed products, helping to increase the value of agricultural products and positively contributing to the local economy .
Tan Phuoc pineapple candy production facility helps create stable jobs for many women.
Realizing the great potential of pineapple and processed products, Mr. Tran Van Hiep - Chairman of Tan Phuoc 3 Commune People's Committee said: "We are orienting to build a craft village to produce pineapple products, including pineapple candy, because Tan Phuoc pineapple has had a clear brand in recent times". This is a strategic step to build a solid brand for Tan Phuoc pineapple products, while encouraging and supporting people to develop creative economic models from pineapple.
Tan Phuoc pineapple candy with the commitment of not using colorants or preservatives, only made entirely from fresh pineapple combined with malt, sugar, sesame, peanuts, ginger, chili... is not only a snack but also a symbol of the simplicity and rusticity of the people here. What makes the difference is not only the delicious taste but also the dedication of the makers - the farmers and women of the hometown who have chosen to preserve the soul of the countryside in each batch of candy.
Now, Tan Phuoc pineapple candy is present at OCOP product fairs, specialty stores, and connects to markets across the country. This is not only the result of creativity and perseverance, but also a way for Tan Phuoc pineapple to reach far and wide, contributing to increasing the value of local agricultural products.
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Source: https://baodongthap.vn/kinh-te/ngot-ngao-huong-vi-keo-khom-tan-phuoc-133307.aspx
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