Fruits that used to “fight hunger” are now specialties

In the past, palm fruits, yams and wild salted fruits were only “hunger-fighting” dishes for poor families, but now they have become sought-after specialties.

In the past, in many rural areas, palm trees were grown mainly for shade, palm leaves were used for roofing, and palm fruit fell from the roots and only the poor could eat them.

However, in recent years, black palm fruit has become a sought-after specialty in the city because of its rich, unique flavor.

Palm fruits are usually sold for 60,000 – 70,000 VND/kg. Sticky rice has a higher price, up to nearly 100,000 VND/kg, and customers still compete to buy it.

There are small traders who sell a ton of rice every day. Many customers have to wait until the next day to buy.

Wild salt plants growing abundantly in Chu Moay conservation area (Kon Tum) are woody plants, about 2 – 8m high. At first, the wild salt berries were ripe and fell, no one collected them, they just picked them up to use as a spice instead of salt.

However, in recent years, wild salted fruits have been known and purchased by chefs at large restaurants at prices ranging from 100,000 – 120,000 VND/kg.

Wild salted fruit is used as a spice to prepare many scrumptious dishes such as loach gai with wild salted seed sauce. In addition, wild salted fruits can also be pounded into powder to mix with salads.

At one time, the fruit was considered a “hunger-save” country food for ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands. In recent years, steamed water has suddenly been sold on online markets, becoming a specialty of restaurants and hotels.

Nac nac fruits are widely sold on online markets with prices ranging from 70,000 – 100,000 VND/kg. The seller said that the quantity is not much, so those who want to buy in large quantities must order in advance.

The water doesn’t look appealing on the outside, but it tastes sour, slightly bitter, and cools the tongue. Photo source: Facebook