Vietnamese Coconut Nectar: Sokfarm’s Sustainable Sweetener
Introducing Vietnamese coconut nectar and the famous Sokfarm brand that produces organic coconut nectar.
Introduction
Image: Sokfarm – Tra Vinh Organic Coconut Nectar
Coconut nectar is the purest product of the coconut tree, collected from the unopened coconut flower buds, which contain a high concentration of nutrients that nourish all parts of the coconut fruit.
Vietnamese coconut nectar is gaining popularity worldwide as an organic product that not only tastes delicious but also offers health benefits. It is rich in nutrients and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
The harvesting and processing of coconut nectar are traditionally carried out by the Khmer people in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s largest coconut-growing region.
The allure of Sokfarm coconut nectar
Image: Sokfarm – Tra Vinh Organic Coconut Nectar
Vietnamese brand, Sokfarm, stands out as a pioneer in organic coconut nectar production. Their commitment to sustainability extends from organically cultivating coconut trees to responsible nectar collection, ensuring the well-being of the environment and ecosystem.
Unique flavor
Image: Sokfarm – Tra Vinh Organic Coconut Nectar
Sokfarm coconut nectar has a unique flavor profile that is characterized by its sweetness, mineral notes, and slightly sour aftertaste.
The sweetness of Vietnamese coconut nectar is unique, offering a delicate flavor derived from coconut flowers. The high concentration of minerals in the nectar, such as potassium, magnesium, and iron, not only enhances its overall flavor but also provides numerous health benefits.
The slightly sour aftertaste of Vietnamese coconut nectar is due to the natural fermentation process that takes place after the nectar is collected. This fermentation process gives the nectar a unique flavor that is both sweet and sour.
A natural source of vitamins and minerals
Sokfarm fresh coconut nectar is rich in important minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, kali, natri, and potassium, as well as other nutrients such as 17 amino acids. These ingredients provide energy, electrolytes, and support the body during exercise and recovery.
Sokfarm Organic Coconut Nectar has a low glycemic index (GI) of 55, compared to refined sugar which has a GI of around 85 and honey which has an average GI of 60. A low GI is ideal for those looking to stabilize their blood sugar levels.
Purely organic
Fresh coconut nectar serves as a natural and organic sweetener, free from additives and artificial ingredients. Sokfarm is dedicated to the sustainable production of coconut nectar. Collaborating with local coconut farmers, the company imparts organic farming techniques and traditional Khmer methods for collecting nectar from coconut flowers.
Sokfarm’s commitment to sustainable harvesting: the secret behind their delicious nectar
Image: Sokfarm – Tra Vinh Organic Coconut Nectar
1. Choosing the perfect tree:
Coconut trees have to be at least 3 years old and consistently producing fruit before they’re ready for nectar collection. This ensures the tree is mature and healthy. Each tree contributes for 9 months, followed by a 3-month rest period to recover.
2. Waking up the flowers
Image: Sokfarm – Tra Vinh Organic Coconut Nectar
Skilled harvesters climb the trees to find unopened coconut flowers. They gently massage the flowers to stimulate nectar production. Then, using a wooden pestle, they carefully tap the flowers to encourage even more nectar flow. Experienced harvesters know exactly how much pressure to apply – too much can damage the flower, while too little won’t stimulate enough nectar.
3. Collecting the liquid gold
Image: Sokfarm – Tra Vinh Organic Coconut Nectar
Once the flowers are prepared, the harvester uses a small knife to make a precise cut at the tip, allowing the nectar to drip out. A special container collects the precious liquid as it flows from the flower.
4. From blossom to bottle
Image: Sokfarm – Tra Vinh Organic Coconut Nectar
After harvesting, the fresh coconut nectar is transported to Sokfarm’s facilities. Here, it’s transformed into a variety of delicious and versatile products, including fermented coconut nectar, concentrated nectar, coconut sugar, and even coconut nectar-infused soy sauce and vinegar.
How a couple revived a community with Sokfarm
Image: Sokfarm – Tra Vinh Organic Coconut Nectar
Chal Thi grew up in a small village in Tra Vinh Province, Vietnam, surrounded by coconut trees. She loved coconuts and dreamed of doing something to improve the lives of coconut farmers in her community.
After graduating from college with a degree in food technology, Chal Thi got a stable job in Ho Chi Minh City. In 2018, Chal Thi heard from her father that the price of coconuts had plummeted. Farmers were struggling to make a living. Chal Thi decided to quit her job and return to her hometown to help.
She and her husband, Pham Dinh Ngai, an electrical engineer who shared her passion for coconuts. Together, they decided to start a business producing coconut nectar, a traditional Khmer product.
At first, they faced many challenges. They failed repeatedly and were met with skepticism from local farmers. But Chal Thi and Ngai were determined to succeed.
They learned the traditional methods of collecting coconut nectar from the village elders. They experimented with different processing techniques and eventually developed a high-quality product.
In 2019, Chal Thi and Ngai launched their company, Sokfarm. Today, they sell their products to customers all over Vietnam and are even exporting to other countries.
Sokfarm provides a stable income for hundreds of local coconut farmers. Over 70% of the company’s workforce are women. The company has developed over 20 hectares of organic coconut farms.
In July 2023, Sokfarm’s coconut nectar was awarded a 5-star OCOP certification by the Vietnamese government. This is the highest rating possible under the OCOP program. Sokfarm was also one of 30 businesses in Vietnam recognized in 2023 for its outstanding social impact and climate-resilient farming methods.
Aspiration for sustainable agriculture
Tra Vinh, a province located in the Mekong Delta region, faces a grim outlook. Scientists predict that within the next 30-50 years, climate change will cause approximately 30% of the area to be submerged or infiltrated by saline water, rendering many crops unable to thrive.
However, coconut trees stand out as resilient to saline inundation, though their productivity and quality will inevitably suffer. In response to this challenge, Sokfarm has transitioned to a coconut farming model centered around harvesting coconut flower nectar. This innovative approach not only ensures the sustainability of farming practices but also significantly boosts farmers’ income by 3-5 times.
Sokfarm employs the traditional method of the Khmer people to harvest coconut flower nectar. This contributes to the preservation of the traditional industry for the local community.
In addition, coconut gardens that produce coconut nectar also provide eco-tourism opportunities for visitors from around the world to witness firsthand how locals produce organic coconut nectar. The couple aims to promote sustainable agriculture, partnering with local farmers to introduce coconut nectar products to a global market.
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