After being absent for decades, wax ginkgo berries have made a surprising comeback in Hanoi in recent years, with many women seeking to buy them despite their unexpectedly high price. Every year, at the beginning of July, Hanoians prepare small plates of these berries to savor their unforgettable, nostalgic scent or to use them for rituals and ancestor worship.
The high demand for early-season wax ginkgo berries drives up their price.
Now, stalls selling these berries can be found on many Hanoi streets, such as Xa Dan, Pho Hue, and Phan Dinh Phung. They have also made a buzz on online markets, with numerous posts advertising ripe, golden wax ginkgo berries with an alluring fragrance. According to some online traders, the berries are still rare and expensive at the beginning of the season, typically costing around 200,000 – 250,000 VND per kilogram.
A wax ginkgo berry seller on Xa Dan Street (Dong Da District) shared that traders procure these berries from rural areas outside Hanoi. Since it’s still early in the season, the supply is limited, and the price is high. Each kilogram of berries, costing 25,000 VND, only yields about two to three tiny fruits. Midway through the season, the supply is expected to increase, driving the price down to a more affordable range of 100,000 – 125,000 VND per kilogram.
Early-season wax ginkgo berries are in high demand on online markets. (Screenshot)
Nga, a fruit trader at Hang Be Market (Hoan Kiem District), observed that wax ginkgo berries have regained popularity in Hanoi after being absent for almost a decade. For over a week, she has been busy sourcing these berries from various suppliers to fulfill her customers’ orders.
”
I’m cautious about importing large quantities due to the high price at the beginning of the season, so I only import 10 – 20 kilograms at a time. Fortunately, this type of berry remains well-loved by homemakers, so I sell out as soon as I stock up
,” she said.
Le Hoa, an online fruit trader, shared a similar experience: ”
I have to source wax ginkgo berries from multiple suppliers in Thai Binh, Vinh Phuc, and Hung Yen, but I still can’t keep up with the demand. I often have to ask customers to place their orders for later because the berries on the trees are not yet ripe for picking
.”
In addition to selling by weight, the berries are also offered in sets, accompanied by fragrant flowers such as lotus, jasmine, royal poinciana, and magnolia. Each set typically costs around 100,000 – 125,000 VND.
Kim Anh, a resident of Tay Ho District, reminisced: ”
For over a week now, I’ve noticed numerous online advertisements for wax ginkgo berries, and they look so beautiful and golden. I immediately placed an order because this fruit used to be grown abundantly in the outskirts and rural areas, but it has become scarce over the years, even forgotten at some point, as no one continued to cultivate it.
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