The essence of nature in Xuan Van

Mr. Trieu Van Tuyen (on the left), Director of Xuan Van Agricultural and Forestry Cooperative, accompanies farmers on their journey to build a brand for pickled persimmons.

From the sweet fruits of our home garden

More than half a century ago, young Hua Van Tu, from Do Thuong 3 village, Xuan Van commune (now over 60 years old), was invited by an acquaintance in the commune to sample the local specialty of pickled persimmons. Enchanted by the unique flavor, he asked for a sapling to take home and have his father plant it in the garden. Today, that first persimmon tree has grown into an ancient tree, casting its shade over time.

Mr. Tu recalled: “Back then, there was only one persimmon tree in the garden. The fruit was crisp and sweet, and we children loved it, but there was never enough to share. That's why, when I got married, I discussed with my father the idea of converting the less productive bamboo and palm plantations to persimmon cultivation, so we could have a specialty fruit for our children and grandchildren, and also earn extra income.” From that turning point, Mr. Tu's family now owns more than 2 hectares of persimmons, yielding 5-6 tons per hectare, with a selling price of 20-30 thousand dong per kilogram, many times higher than their previous crop.

Mr. Tu's entrepreneurial story has become an inspiration for families to boldly change their crop structure, spreading the rose cultivation movement widely. Many households, such as the families of Mr. Nguyen Huu Hao (village 1), Ms. Ma Thi Minh (village 2), Ms. Tran Thi Thoa (village 3), Mr. Nguyen Van Kiem (village 4), and Luc Minh Phung (village 5), have dedicated their lives to preserving each native rose bush as if it were a treasure of their homeland.

With its fertile soil, mild climate, and the perseverance and dedication of its farmers, Xuan Van has become a blessed land for persimmon trees to take root, bloom, and bear fruit. Because it combines the essence of nature and human effort, Xuan Van persimmons possess unique characteristics: The fruit is elongated, distinguished by 3-4 vertical grooves running from the stem down the body, and of a moderate size, averaging 15-25 fruits per kilogram. Notably, the fruit is completely seedless, and when cut crosswise, the flesh clearly reveals a rosette shape with 8-12 symmetrical petals, creating a unique beauty, like delicate little flowers.

By harvest time, the green skin of the persimmons is tinged with a shimmering golden hue, as if bathed in autumn sunlight, further enhancing the allure of Xuan Van persimmons. Ms. Ma Thi Minh from Hamlet 1 shared: “After harvesting, the persimmons are washed clean and soaked in water continuously for 3 days and 2 nights, with the water changed frequently to remove the astringency. The entire process uses only clean water, without adding any chemicals.” Mr. Hoang Tien Dat ( Hanoi ) expressed: “Enjoying Xuan Van pickled persimmons, I clearly feel the sweet and refreshing taste combined with the crisp texture and delicate aroma. This is not only a delicious fruit but also a local cultural experience, connecting urban life with the simple, heartfelt spirit of the countryside.”

More than just a gift from nature, Xuan Van persimmons are also a valuable source of nutrition for health. Numerous scientific studies have confirmed that each persimmon contains a harmonious combination of natural sweetness and essential nutrients such as sugar, vitamin C, potassium, phosphorus, iron… and, importantly, contains no cholesterol or fat, making it very good for cardiovascular health and the immune system.

OCOP Product Xuan Van Persimmon is the culmination of nature's bounty and the hard work of farmers.

The OCOP product, Xuan Van pickled persimmons, is the culmination of nature's bounty and the hard work of the farmers.

Visit the renowned brand.

Following the directives of the local Party committee and government, the Xuan Van Agricultural and Forestry Cooperative was established in 2004, marking a turning point in the development of persimmon cultivation. Instead of fragmented production, the cooperative organized production linkages with households, creating a raw material area of over 60 hectares. Beyond providing technical guidance, supplying inputs, and guaranteeing product purchase, thus ensuring farmers' peace of mind in cultivation, the cooperative also affirmed its leading role in quality management and brand building. This "foundation" has gradually propelled Xuan Van pickled persimmons beyond local farms, establishing its brand on the Vietnamese agricultural map.

Evidence shows that in 2018, the Xuan Van pickled persimmon product of the cooperative was granted a collective trademark certificate by the Intellectual Property Office ( Ministry of Science and Technology ); in 2023, it was recognized as a 3-star OCOP product at the provincial level. While the collective trademark helps protect the name of Xuan Van pickled persimmon and prevent the mixing of inferior products, the OCOP program is the "passport" for this local specialty to enter the larger market. According to Mr. Trieu Van Tuyen, Director of the Xuan Van Agricultural and Forestry Cooperative: "The unit has completed the application for OCOP product classification in 2025 with the goal of upgrading from 3 stars to 4 stars." This is not only an aspiration to elevate the brand but also a strategic step for Xuan Van pickled persimmon to continue affirming its position, prestige, and reputation in the market.

Xuan Van commune currently has over 65 hectares of persimmon orchards, with an average yield of 5 tons per hectare, generating over 8 billion VND in economic value annually. According to the Chairman of the Xuan Van Commune People's Committee, Ha Manh Linh: “Persimmons have become a key crop, closely linked to the livelihoods and lives of the people. Currently, in addition to upgrading the OCOP (One Commune One Product) rating, the commune aims to establish a geographical indication for Xuan Van pickled persimmons, linked to the development of fruit orchard tourism. This will create a competitive advantage, enhance the value of agricultural products, and contribute to the sustainable development of the local economy.”

Every year around the eighth lunar month, Xuan Van commune becomes bustling as traders from all over flock to buy persimmons. Not only is it in high demand within the province, but Xuan Van pickled persimmons are also available in major cities such as Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Ho Chi Minh City, and are featured on e-commerce platforms and the Hanoi Clean Food system (EcoFood). Mr. Trieu Van Tuyen, Director of the Xuan Van Agricultural and Forestry Cooperative, said: “Each year, 1-2 tons of product are sold through EcoFood, at a price of 35-40 thousand VND/kg, providing a stable income for the people and affirming the appeal and reputation of the Xuan Van pickled persimmon brand in the market.”

As the autumn sun casts a golden glow over the hillsides of Xuan Van commune, each cluster of persimmons becomes even more vibrant and full of life. These small persimmons become a gift carrying the essence of nature and the warmth of the people of Xuan Van to all corners of the country.

Thu Phuong

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/van-hoa/202509/tinh-hoa-dat-troi-xuan-van-76a0ac4/