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Nghia Trai village (Tan Quang commune, Van Lam district, Hung Yen province) is famous for its name: "The medicinal herb village." Many people also call it the "medicinal herb capital of the North." The most famous medicinal plant here is chrysanthemum with its vibrant yellow color. Every December, the sight of rows of flowers growing closely together has become a characteristic scene of this village.
Chrysanthemum (also known as golden chrysanthemum or yellow chrysanthemum) is also called "royal chrysanthemum" because in the past, this flower, known for its cooling, detoxifying, and liver-cleansing properties, was chosen as an offering to emperors and kings. Common uses of chrysanthemum include brewing it into tea or using it as a medicinal ingredient with other herbs.
In northern Vietnam, the weather in the last days of the year is somewhat dry and cold. The damp, chilly air makes the sky gloomy, but the appearance of chrysanthemum flowers, with their sun-yellow color, helps to warm up the winter. Rows of blooming chrysanthemums display their vibrant colors like a giant golden carpet against the winter sky.
The rows of chrysanthemums bloomed profusely, displaying their vibrant colors like a giant, dazzling golden carpet against the winter sky.
The chrysanthemum fields bloom from December until just before the Lunar New Year. During these days, the fragrance of the flowers is incredibly pleasant. Because they are primarily grown for medicinal purposes, the chrysanthemums here are carefully cultivated and planted in neat rows. According to local people, the best quality chrysanthemums are those that have just bloomed, with no buds and not yet withered. There are two harvests per year, each about a month apart.
Locals say that only chrysanthemums grown here produce the distinctive flavor and yield a large harvest. Many places have tried growing them elsewhere, but they bloom as big as a teacup and lack fragrance.
During each harvest season, the farm owner has to mobilize a large number of laborers, including workers from local factories. Each worker can harvest 20-30 kg of fresh flowers per day.
Fresh chrysanthemums sold locally cost around 50,000 VND/kg.
In recent years, fields of chrysanthemum flowers have become a popular photo spot for many young people during the end of the year.
