"Green Gold" Cao Bo

Located at an altitude of nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, Cao Bo commune boasts ancient Shan Tuyet tea forests, some hundreds of years old. Not only is it a key crop that helps people increase their income, but Shan Tuyet tea has also become a source of pride for the Dao ethnic group, contributing to forest conservation, tourism development, and bringing the flavors of the mountains and forests to the international market.

Preserving the soul of ancient tea trees.

With its cool climate, suitable soil, and pristine environment, the Shan Tuyet tea plants here grow completely naturally, creating a unique flavor that is hard to find anywhere else.

Currently, Cao Bo commune has approximately 1,000 hectares of Shan Tuyet tea, of which 875 hectares are currently producing fruit. Notably, the locality boasts 273 ancient tea trees, hundreds of years old, recognized as "Vietnamese Heritage Trees" by the Vietnam Association for the Protection of Nature and Environment. These precious tea trees are concentrated in the villages of Lung Tao, Tham Ve, Tat Khao, Thac Hung, Thac Tang, and Khuoi Luong.

Dao women pick tea leaves on the summit of Tay Con Linh mountain.

Beyond its economic value, Shan Tuyet tea is also closely intertwined with the lives of the Dao people in Cao Bo. For generations, the people here have known how to manually pick tea leaves, roast them in cast-iron pans, and preserve traditional processing secrets. Mr. Hoang Tinh Kiem, a tea artisan of May Tra Shan Company in Tham Ve village, shared: “To have a delicious batch of tea, the tea-picking process must adhere to standards, only picking one bud and two leaves. After picking, the tea must be processed immediately to preserve its natural flavor. Tea makers must be very patient and meticulous to maintain the characteristic sweet aftertaste of Cao Bo Shan Tuyet tea.”

To enhance product value, in recent years, local people, cooperatives, and businesses have gradually changed their production methods towards organic farming, focusing on quality rather than quantity. Currently, the commune has more than 20 processing facilities; among them, Cao Bo Organic Tea Joint Stock Company and two cooperatives stand out with tea products meeting Organic and OCOP 3-star standards.

Mr. Dang Van Long, a tea artisan in Thao village, said: “Previously, people mainly sold fresh tea leaves, so the value wasn't high. Now, by participating in the cooperative and receiving guidance on cultivation techniques and clean processing, the tea sells for a higher price. People are also more conscious of preserving the forest and protecting ancient tea trees because this is a long-term source of livelihood.”

Thanks to the Shan Tuyet tea plant, many households in Cao Bo now have a stable income of 50-100 million VND per year. The material and spiritual lives of the people are gradually improving, contributing to sustainable poverty reduction in this mountainous area which still faces many difficulties.

Economic development linked with forest conservation and tourism.

Besides providing livelihoods for the people, Shan Tuyet tea also plays a crucial role in forest conservation in Cao Bo. For the locals, preserving the forest means preserving water resources, maintaining the climate, and protecting the "treasure" of the ancient tea trees of the area.

Comrade Chu Hung Cuong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Cao Bo commune, said: "The commune has identified Shan Tuyet tea as the main crop in the local economic development. In recent years, the commune has focused on disseminating information and mobilizing people to care for and preserve ancient tea trees, while also encouraging organic production to improve product quality. Developing tea not only helps people increase their income but also contributes to forest protection and preserving the cultural identity of the Dao ethnic group."

The preliminary processing stage of Shan Tuyet tea by the people of Cao Bo commune.

According to Mr. Cuong, the commune's tea production is currently estimated at over 423 tons per year, with a harvest value of approximately 10.8 billion VND. In particular, Cao Bo Shan Tuyet tea has gradually established its position in both domestic and international markets, being exported to countries such as China, Japan, France, and the United States.

Along with developing tea products, the locality is also promoting experiential tourism linked to local culture. Many tourists come to Cao Bo not only to enjoy tea but also to admire the ancient tea trees amidst the mountains and forests, and experience tea picking and processing with the local people. Ms. Bui Phuong Thao, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: “I am very impressed with the ancient tea trees in Cao Bo. The air here is fresh, the scenery is beautiful, and the people are very friendly. Drinking a cup of Shan Tuyet tea directly in the mountains and forests gives a very special feeling.”

The lush green tea hills stretching across the mountain slopes now not only bring economic value but have also become a tourist highlight of the Cao Bo highlands. From the Shan Tuyet tea plant, the people are gradually building a more stable life while preserving precious natural values ​​for future generations.

Text and photos: Khanh Huyen

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/kinh-te/202605/vang-xanh-cao-bo-ce71f2a/