In September, Phuc Trach pomelo in the mountainous district of Huong Khe (Ha Tinh) during the harvest season. On average, this specialty fruit brings a few hundred million dollars to the people of the mountain village every year.

Phuc Trach pomelo is a key crop, developing the highland economy, grown in many communes Phuc Trach, Huong Trach, Huong Tra, Loc Yen, and Huong Thuy of Huong Khe district. Grapefruit is an easy plant to grow, suitable in mountainous areas, and has a long harvest life, from 10 to more than 20 years (Photo: Xuan Sinh). According to seniors in Huong Khe district, Phuc Trach pomelo is a local traditional product, which existed hundreds of years ago. Phuc Trach pomelo, when grown on Huong Khe land, will have round spherical fruits, yellow-green skin when ripe, light pink flesh, sweet taste, and not bitter (Photo: Xuan Sinh). Mr. Nguyen Van Toan’s family (born in 1980, residing in Trung Linh village, Huong Trach commune, Huong Khe district) is one of the households with the largest pomelo garden in this commune. Currently, his family has more than 300 pomelo trees that are 15-20 years old. On average, each year, the pomelo garden brings his family an income of 300-400 million VND. “This year, my garden has about 20,000 pomelos, the average selling price is from 25-30 thousand VND/fruit. This year, my family can earn about 400 million VND, after deducting expenses. “, Mr. Toan happily said (Photo: Xuan Sinh). According to Mr. Toan, Phuc Trach pomelo trees are not suitable for all lands and have the right taste. Phuc Trach pomelo is suitable for local soil and that is one of the most important factors determining fruit quality (Photo: Xuan Sinh). “The pomelo care process is also very demanding, must be fertilized at the right time and in sufficient quantity. From the time the pomelo is small, it has to be pruned and removed from the bad ones. To a certain extent, the pomelo will be grown. wrapped with cloth bags to avoid stinging insects as well as direct sunlight,” added Mr. Toan (Photo: Xuan Sinh). This type of pomelo is quite special, after harvesting it can be left for a few months. According to the experience of gardeners, after buying pomelo, consumers can apply lime to the stem and leave it in a cool place to keep the pomelo for 3-5 months. The peel may be slightly dry and change color, but the quality of the pomelo inside remains the same (Photo: Xuan Sinh). Every September, traders flock to the pomelo orchards here to buy. After that, pomelos will be transported to localities inside and outside the province for consumption (Photo: Xuan Sinh). According to the leader of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Huong Khe district (Ha Tinh), in 2022, the whole district will have more than 2,700 hectares of pomelo with an estimated output of 23 thousand tons, production value of over 700 billion VND. “This year the weather is quite favorable, so the pomelo trees grow well, and the fruit is beautiful. Currently, the pomelo gardens are starting to harvest. In 2021, because of the Covid-19 epidemic, the consumption of pomelos is difficult. This year has been more convenient and easier. Not only eradicating hunger and reducing poverty, Phuc Trach pomelo also helps many households get rich,” said a leader of Huong Khe District’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Photo: Xuan Sinh) ). The pomelos are carefully wrapped from an early age to avoid stinging insects, only to be removed when they are sold (Photo: Xuan Sinh). Grapefruit orchards with thousands of uniform fruits, turning golden yellow, fascinate people (Photo: Xuan Sinh). The pomelos are stamped to identify the origin and trace the name of the garden (Photo: Xuan Sinh). Phuc Trach pomelo is sold in many places (Photo: Xuan Sinh).