Vietnamese Coconut: All you need to know
We will provide you with useful information about Vietnamese coconuts.
Coconut ranks among the most extensively grown plants in Vietnam. In this article, let’s explore interesting facts about Vietnamese coconuts and delicious dishes made from coconuts.
Vietnam’s leading coconut-growing regions
The four provinces of Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Tien Giang, and Binh Dinh have the largest coconut plantations in Vietnam.
Coconuts are grown all over Vietnam, but they are most heavily concentrated in the Mekong Delta region, which makes up 80% of the country’s coconut cultivation area. Here’s a list of the four provinces where coconut cultivation is highest in Vietnam, with three of them situated in the Mekong Delta region.
The Mekong Delta (Vietnamese: Đồng bằng Sông Cửu Long. ’Nine Dragon River Delta’) is the region in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea through a network of distributaries. The Mekong Delta region encompasses a large portion of southwestern Vietnam of over 40,500 km2 (15,600 sq mi). The size of the area covered by water depends on the season. Its wet coastal geography makes it an important source of agriculture and aquaculture for the country. Today, the region comprises 12 provinces: Long An, Dong Thap, Tien Giang, An Giang, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, and Can Tho.
Ben Tre
Ben Tre is known as the coconut capital of Vietnam. According to statistics up to May 2023, the province of Bến Tre has a total coconut area of 78,195 hectares, accounting for nearly 40% of Vietnam’s coconut area (the whole country has about 200,000 hectares). (Source: here)
Ben Tre is a province located in the Mekong Delta region, with a natural area of 2,360 km². It is situated 86 km from Ho Chi Minh City and 120 km from Can Tho City. To the north, it borders Tien Giang province, while to the west and south it borders Vinh Long province and Tra Vinh province. To the east, it is adjacent to the East Sea.
Tra Vinh
Tra Vinh ranks as the second-largest province in Vietnam for coconut cultivation, just behind Ben Tre province. As of 2023, Tra Vinh had around 26,000 hectares dedicated to coconut farming. Notably, over 5,000 hectares of this area were managed using organic farming methods. (Source: here)
Tra Vinh, situated in the Mekong Delta region, covers an area of 2,358 square kilometers and is home to around 1.1 million people. It spans over 65 kilometers along the coastline of the East Sea to the east. To the west, it shares a border with Vinh Long province, while to the south, it neighbors Soc Trang province. To the north, it is adjacent to Ben Tre province.
Tien Giang
According to Tien Giang Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the total coconut area in the province is 21,654 hectares, ranking third in terms of coconut cultivation area in Vietnam. (Source: here)
Tien Giang Province, situated in the Mekong Delta region, covers an area of 2,511 square kilometers and had a population of 1.764 million as of 2019. It is bounded by Ho Chi Minh City and the East Sea to the east, Dong Thap Province to the west, and Bến Tre and Vinh Long Provinces to the south. To the north, it shares borders with Long An Province.
Binh Dinh
Binh Dinh is the fourth-largest province for coconut cultivation in Vietnam, covering approximately 9,300 hectares. Notably, within the South Central region of Vietnam, Binh Dinh boasts the largest coconut cultivation area. (Source: here)
Binh Dinh is a coastal province situated in the northern section of Vietnam’s South Central Coast region. Covering an area of 6,022.6 square kilometers, it is home to a population of 1,487,009 people as of 2021. Binh Dinh shares borders with Gia Lai province to the west, Quang Ngai province to the north, Phu Yen province to the south, and the East Sea to the east.
Popular types of Vietnamese coconuts
Favorite kinds of Vietnamese coconuts good for getting fresh water.
Green Siamese Coconut (Dua xiem xanh)
Image credit: www.myphuongfood.com
This coconut type is the most commonly grown across the Mekong Delta. On average, a single green Siamese coconut tree produces between 140 and 150 fruits per year. A green Siamese coconut can produce as much as 350 milliliters of water.
Dwarf Siamese Coconut (Dua xiem lun)
When fully grown, a dwarf Siamese coconut tree usually stands at around 2 meters tall. These trees bear coconuts with a green hue, though it’s a lighter shade compared to the typical green Siamese coconut. On average, each tree yields 120-150 fruits annually, with each fruit weighing between 1.2 – 1.5 kg. Each coconut can hold 220-280ml of water.
Fire Siamese Coconut (Dua xiem lua)
Being a rare and prized coconut variety in Vietnam, it features a reddish-brown shell. Each tree produces between 80 and 140 fruits annually, with each fruit weighing between 1 and 1.2 kg. Additionally, each fruit holds 250-350 ml of water.
The type of Vietnamese coconut with the best-tasting flesh
Coconut sport (Dua sap)
Coconut sport or macapuno is a special delicacy originating from the Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh. It’s mainly cultivated there by local farmers, who’ve been growing this coconut variety in the province for about 80 years. At first glance, coconut sport appears similar to a regular coconut. However, when fully ripe, it differs significantly. Instead of containing water, the fruit is filled with a white, greasy, jelly-like flesh inside.
Types of Vietnamese coconuts for oil extraction
In Vietnam, two commonly used coconut varieties for oil extraction are known locally as Dừa Ta and Dừa Dâu. These trees usually reach heights of 10 to 15 meters, boasting thick trunks and a lifespan of around 15 to 30 years. On average, each tree produces 60 to 100 fruits annually. These coconuts are notably large, with thick flesh containing a high oil content of 63-67%.
Dua nuoc (water coconut)
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The Mekong Delta is famous for its abundant Mangrove palm trees. These trees grow in soft mud and slow-moving tidal and river waters. Vietnamese people call Dua nuoc, which means water coconut. The flesh of the water coconut is deliciously fragrant and nutritious.
In the ancient town of Hoi An, located in central Vietnam, there’s a famous tourist spot known as the ” Bay Mau water coconut forest” It’s filled with water coconuts and offers breathtaking scenery along with a variety of fun activities. If you’re visiting Hoi An, make sure to check out this place!
Handicrafts made from Vietnamese coconuts
Handicraft products made from coconuts have been skillfully crafted by Vietnamese artisans. Utilizing various parts of the coconut tree, including the shell, wood, leaves, stalks, bark, and fiber, the artisans have created beautiful and eco-friendly items for kitchen and home decorations.
Coconut Shell Bird Nest
The Coconut Shell Bird Nest gives your birds a cozy home with its handmade design from coconut shells. It lets them feel like they’re in nature. Your pet birds can play and rest in this comfy nest. Plus, it’s a beautiful decoration for your home, adding a touch of art to your decor when hung up.
Vietnam coconut bowl
These coconut shell bowls are created with a zero-waste philosophy and originate from sourced coconut shells in Vietnam. Each bowl goes through meticulous sanding, and intricate carving, and is finished with vegan-friendly coconut oil. The result is a beautiful piece that not only showcases natural beauty but also helps promote eco-conscious living.
Coconut fiber slippers
Eco-friendly coconut fiber slippers, handmade in Vietnam for indoor use. Crafted from coconut fibers, these slippers offer both comfort and environmental consciousness. Experience the natural beauty of Vietnam with every step, knowing that you’re contributing to a greener world.
Coconut fiber doormat
Handcrafted in Vietnam, coconut fiber doormats offer both durability and eco-friendliness. Made from sustainable materials, it’s the perfect addition to any doorstep, welcoming guests while promoting environmental responsibility.
Coconut dishes and foods that use Vietnamese coconut as a primary ingredient
Baked coconut cracker
Baked coconut cracker is a famous dish from the central region of Vietnam. This cake has a special allure with its perfectly balanced sweetness, and distinctive aroma from coconut, glutinous rice flour, and other indigenous ingredients. The delicate and crispy texture of the cake will make you fall in love from the very first bite.
The ingredients for baked coconut crackers are all locally sourced, including coconut, glutinous rice flour, sugar, and additional elements like mung beans, peanuts, etc. The meticulous preparation by skilled chefs is aimed at capturing and preserving the rich and delightful taste of coconut in every aspect of the cake.
Coconut ice cream
Vietnamese coconut ice cream is a delightful dessert, a perfect combination of the delicate flavor of ice cream and the distinctive aroma of coconut. The main ingredients of Vietnamese coconut ice cream include fresh cream, coconut milk, and coconut meat, creating a soft and creamy mixture. On top, one can add crispy dried coconut, peanuts, and sticky rice, etc. A glass of naturally sweet and nutritious coconut water is served alongside the coconut ice cream.
Vietnamese coconut jelly
Vietnamese coconut jelly is made from coconut water, with its jelly having a translucent, jelly-like texture. Vietnamese coconut jelly is known for its gentle chewiness and mild sweetness, making it a popular addition to sweet soup and bubble tea. The Vietnamese method of making coconut jelly can be summarized as follows:
Fresh coconut water, after being rid of impurities, is mixed with sugar and acetic acid bacteria. The fermentation process by the acid bacteria results in the formation of coconut jelly. The fermentation period can take from several days to a few weeks. When the coconut jelly reaches the desired consistency and thickness, it is cut into square-shaped pieces
Coconut candy
Coconut candy is a specialty originating from Ben Tre province, Vietnam. The candy is crafted using key ingredients such as coconut meat, sugar, and malt. This type of candy is a distinctive local delicacy and represents a traditional artisanal craft deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the region.
Creating tasty coconut candy relies heavily on the selection of ingredients. It’s essential to start with high-quality glutinous rice for making malt, ensuring the grains are large and evenly ripened. Before cooking the malt, the rice seeds should be germinated using clean rainwater. Skilled artisans are required to cook the malt properly. Freshly harvested coconuts with golden husks are preferred as they offer a unique flavor, along with sweet coconut water.
Candied coconut ribbons
Coconut jam is a type of jam made from coconut meat, in which the coconut meat is thinly sliced into strips and mixed with white sugar. Afterward, this mixture is simmered over low heat until the sugar syrup dries up, resulting in coconut jam. During the process, the cook continuously stirs to prevent the coconut jam from sticking or turning yellow in color.
Alongside Chung cake (banh chung), coconut jam is a traditional Vietnamese delicacy enjoyed during Tet holiday.
Crispy dried coconut
Crispy dried coconut is a topping that Vietnamese people sprinkle onto desserts such as sweet soups, ice cream, and yogurt to enhance their appeal and delicious flavor.
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