VI
EN
The fragrance of pomelo blossoms is a characteristic scent of the rural gardens of Northern Vietnam; even a single pomelo tree in a garden can fill the entire alleyway with its captivating aroma. Photo: Ngo Hai Dang.
Grapefruit blossoms grow in clusters, with five white petals curving upwards around a yellow stamen. Photo: vananhhng.
After rainy days, grapefruit blossoms stay fresh longer and have a deeper fragrance. The scent of grapefruit blossoms is intense but not overpowering, a subtle aroma that makes people feel comfortable. Photo: thanhdo.
"Can you smell the scent of grapefruit in the wind?"
"The sorrowful March night calls the moon back."
The flowers are usually harvested from the first bloom (also known as young pomelo blossoms) in pomelo orchards in the vicinity of Hanoi. According to experienced pomelo growers, if the first fruits grow from the flowers, the quality of the pomelo segments will be sourer and less flavorful than subsequent harvests.
It's unclear when exactly, but the image of street vendors carrying baskets and trays filled with carefully bundled bunches of small flowers amidst the bustling crowds has captivated the people of Hanoi so much.
People often buy pomelo blossoms to make sweet soups, cakes, flavor tapioca flour, or simply because they enjoy the gentle, pure fragrance of this flower. Photo: muomnemo.
During the drizzling days, grapefruit blossoms appear on the streets and in every small room, their rich yet profound fragrance wafting through the humid air characteristic of spring – a unique charm of Hanoi. Photo: Nguyen Thuy Linh.
Ngoc Anh
