Nghia Trai village (Tan Quang commune, Van Lam district, Hung Yen) is famous for the name: "Medicinal herbs village". Many people also call the village "medicinal herbs capital of the North". The most famous medicinal plant here is chrysanthemum with brilliant yellow color. Every December, the image of flower beds lying close together has become a typical scene of this village.
Chrysanthemum (or golden chrysanthemum, yellow chrysanthemum) is also known as “royal chrysanthemum” because in the past, this flower has the effect of clearing heat, detoxifying, and cooling the liver and was chosen to be offered to the king. The common way to use chrysanthemum is to make tea or use it as medicine with other herbs.
The last days of the year in the North of Vietnam are somewhat dry and cold. The humid air makes the sky gloomy, the appearance of the chrysanthemum flower with its yellow color like the sunlight has helped the winter become extremely warm. The chrysanthemum beds in full bloom show off their colors like a giant golden carpet shining brightly against the winter sky.
The chrysanthemum beds are in full bloom, showing off their colors like a giant, brilliant golden carpet against the winter sky.
Chrysanthemum fields bloom from December to before Lunar New Year. During these days, the scent of the flowers is extremely pleasant. Because they are grown mainly for medicinal purposes, chrysanthemums here are carefully fertilized and planted in straight rows. According to local people, chrysanthemums are of the best quality when they have just bloomed and have not yet faded. There are two occasions a year to harvest chrysanthemums, each occasion is about a month apart.
Locals say that only chrysanthemums grown here can produce a distinctive flavor and large yield. Many places have brought the flowers back to try growing them, but they bloom as big as a bowl and have no scent.
During each harvest season, the field owner must mobilize a lot of workers, including workers from factories in the area. Each worker can harvest 20-30 kg of fresh flowers per day.
Fresh chrysanthemums sold on the spot cost about 50,000 VND/kg.
In recent years, chrysanthemum fields have become a photography location for many young people at the end of the year.
