Discovering Da Xanh Pomelo: Vietnam’s Finest Citrus Fruit

We’re excited to share some valuable insights about Vietnam’s Da Xanh pomelo

5 min

Fruit

In this article, we’ll explore Da Xanh pomelo, one of the many pomelo varieties found in Vietnam, but widely considered the best. You’ll get to know its unique qualities, its tasty flavor, how it’s grown by Vietnamese farmers, and the ways it’s enjoyed in Vietnam.

What is Da Xanh pomelo?

Shape and color

The Da Xanh pomelo (bưởi Da Xanh) is a round fruit, typically 13 to 20 cm in diameter, and weighs between 1.2 to 2.5 kg. Its skin stays green or turns slightly yellow when ripe. Inside, the flesh ranges from light pink to red and can be either seedless or have seeds.

The Da Xanh pomelo tree usually grows to about 3 to 5 meters tall. It takes about three years for the tree to bear its first fruit, with peak production happening around the fifth year. Each tree produces 50 to 70 fruits annually, and it takes around 7 to 8 months from flowering to harvest.

Taste and flavor

The Da Xanh pomelo has a natural sweetness with a Brix level of 9.5–12%, balanced with just a hint of tanginess. Its juicy segments provide a refreshing bite, making it a perfect snack on a hot day. As soon as you cut into a Da Xanh pomelo, a delightful, citrusy aroma fills the air, giving you a sense of calm and refreshment. The fragrance is inviting and soothing, making the experience of enjoying this fruit even more enjoyable.

Brix Level (°Bx) measures the sugar content in a liquid as a percentage. One degree Brix equals 1 gram of sugar (specifically sucrose) in 100 grams of liquid. It’s a common way to gauge how sweet things like fruit, juice, wine, and honey are. The higher the Brix level, the sweeter the product.

How Vietnamese farmers grow Da Xanh pomelo

In Vietnam, the Da Xanh pomelo is highly valued and widely cultivated by farmers. However, this fruit doesn’t start producing until at least three years after planting. To make the most of their orchards, many farmers also grow guavas alongside their pomelo trees. Guavas have a much shorter harvest period—starting to bear fruit just nine months after planting. Plus, there’s an added benefit: guava leaves help repel pests that can harm the Da Xanh pomelo trees. This clever combination ensures a productive and thriving orchard.

How Vietnamese people enjoy Da Xanh pomelo

In Vietnam, Da Xanh pomelo is enjoyed in a couple of delightful ways. Many people simply eat it fresh, savoring its sweet flavor. However, for a unique twist, it’s also common to enjoy Da Xanh pomelo with a sprinkle of salt and chili powder. This combination creates an exciting mix of flavors—sweetness from the pomelo, a hint of tartness, a touch of saltiness from the salt, and a bit of heat from the chili.