The vibrant red pomelo, a "gold bar" variety, will shine brightly during the 2026 Tet season.

In the final days of the year, the pomelo orchards of Dong Cao burst into a warm red hue. Beneath the green foliage, clusters of ripe pomelos swell, their peels gradually turning a deep red, creating a characteristic scene of the Tet holiday. Interspersed among the traditional round fruits are pomelos shaped like gold bars, their surfaces engraved with the words "wealth" and "fortune," neatly square and striking.

Dong Cao red pomelos are currently popular in two main varieties: the "banh men" pomelo and the "num" pomelo. Both share the rare red peel, pinkish flesh inside, a light aroma, a sweet and refreshing taste, and minimal fiber. Fruits that meet the standards for size, color, and balance are selected and molded into shapes, serving the high-end gift segment during Tet (Lunar New Year).

The process of shaping pomelos begins when the fruit is still small. Growers must carefully observe each tree, selecting healthy, evenly developed, and disease-free fruits to place in molds. The timing of placing the molds is crucial; if done too early, the fruit is prone to deformation, while if done too late, the size will exceed the mold. For many months afterward, growers continuously check and adjust the mold's position and care regimen to ensure the fruit develops the correct shape, has a smooth surface, and the carvings are clearly visible at harvest.

According to Mr. Van Quyet, a garden owner in Dong Cao, shaped pomelos are always pre-ordered by customers. The selling price at the garden ranges from 700,000 to 800,000 VND per pair, and can reach up to 1.2 million VND per pair in the market. Despite the price being many times higher than regular round pomelos, this item is frequently sold out due to limited production and the strong demand for gifts during Tet (Lunar New Year).

Beyond its economic value, the Dong Cao red pomelo is also a rare and precious traditional variety, associated with the ancient story of "pomelo offered to the king." Alongside the shaped varieties, the traditional round red pomelo still plays an important role. Its more affordable price makes it suitable for families who want to display it on the five-fruit offering tray or enjoy it during Tet (Lunar New Year). Thanks to its eye-catching color and feng shui significance, the Dong Cao red pomelo is gradually becoming a familiar choice for many urban families.

Few people know that this pomelo variety was once in danger of disappearing. Originating from a naturally occurring mutated pomelo tree, the people of Dong Cao have persistently propagated and preserved it over many generations. Currently, the locality still has ancient pomelo trees nearly a hundred years old, yielding hundreds of fruits each season, considered "treasures" of the village.

According to folk beliefs, the color red symbolizes good fortune, prosperity, and auspicious beginnings. This is what makes Dong Cao red pomelo a popular choice every spring. When shaped like a gold bar, its symbolic value is further emphasized, transforming the fruit into a gift carrying a message of blessings for the new year.

Amidst the increasing competition in the Tet gift market, the "gold bar" shaped pomelos from Me Linh have emerged as a unique product thanks to their cultural value and elaborate cultivation techniques. Each pomelo is the result of months of meticulous care, reflecting the long-standing experience of the growers and their efforts to preserve the rare red pomelo variety in the locality.

From a once endangered variety, the Dong Cao red pomelo is now being harvested and transported to many provinces and cities across the country. The distinctive red color of the Me Linh pomelo continues to maintain its appeal in the market, becoming a popular choice in the gift and display segment during the Spring Festival, associated with the hope of a prosperous and successful new year.

Text and photos: Nhat Minh