The wild rose apple tree, also known as the Chinese hawthorn, blooms from March and bears fruit from early September until November. Pictured are tourists capturing the ripening wild rose apples.
Nestled in the highlands of Northwest Vietnam, regions like Lao Cai, Son La, and Phu Tho are renowned for their wild rose apple orchards. Beyond its economic value, the fruit embodies the rustic essence and resilience of the local people. Sold by weight, prices range from VND 8,000 to 30,000 per kilogram, varying by intended use—whether for wine-making or fresh consumption, with the latter commanding a premium.
Along the central road of Mu Cang Chai, farmers from neighboring communes such as Nam Co, Pung Luong, Lao Chai, and Che Tao converge to sell their harvest. These areas are celebrated for their prolific wild rose apple cultivation, drawing buyers from afar.
Wild rose apples destined for wine production are characterized by their astringency, firmness, and thick skin, yielding a robust and aromatic brew. Conversely, those meant for fresh consumption feature thinner skins, offering a sweet, refreshing taste, typically in smaller, juicier fruits.
Experienced growers note the wild rose apple’s unique trait: within a single orchard, some trees bear sweet fruit while others produce tart or sour varieties. Trees yielding sweet apples tend to do so consistently, necessitating separate harvesting for premium pricing. Annually, farmers can earn between VND 20 to 30 million per season. However, recent years have seen bountiful harvests met with price declines, leaving growers concerned.
Hang Dinh Thu, Chairman of Lao Chai Commune’s People’s Committee in Lao Cai, reports that the commune boasts over 600 hectares of wild rose apple trees, making it one of the region’s largest cultivation areas. However, the absence of processing facilities forces farmers to rely on small-scale traders, leading to price volatility. Many forgo harvesting due to insufficient returns to cover labor costs. Thu advocates for corporate investment in processing infrastructure to ensure stable markets and sustain farmers’ commitment to this crop.
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