The Once Royal Ruby Fruit Now Sought After for Tet at 2 Million VND Per Piece

The Red Pomelo of Luan Van, a renowned specialty from Tho Xuan (Thanh Hoa), was once a royal tribute during the Later Le Dynasty. Its unique distinction lies in its rare red hue: when ripe, the fruit’s skin, pulp, segment membranes, and flesh all glow with shades of crimson or deep red. The segments are juicy, offering a sweet yet subtly tangy flavor and a distinct aroma unmatched by any other pomelo variety.

As the Lunar New Year approaches, the Red Pomelo of Luan Van becomes a highly sought-after gift or centerpiece for the traditional Tet fruit tray, symbolizing luck, prosperity, and abundance.

This year, prices range from 120,000 to 350,000 VND per fruit, depending on size, or 70,000 to 200,000 VND per kilogram when sold by weight.

Notably, a limited supply of organically grown red pomelos has emerged, priced from 500,000 VND per fruit. Exceptional specimens, weighing 1.6–1.9 kg with perfect shape and aroma, can fetch up to 2 million VND each (according to VTC News).

Primarily cultivated in Luan Van village and surrounding areas of Lam Son commune, the pomelos cover over 60 hectares. Young fruits are green, turning yellow and then red when ripe around mid-October in the lunar calendar. Properly stored, they can remain fresh for 2–4 months, ideal for Tet decorations.

The pomelo’s value stems from its perfect blend of “color, aroma, and taste.” Large, uniformly round, and adorned in a luxurious red velvet hue, it can grace altars for weeks without spoiling. This made it a favored tribute to royalty and a staple in imperial ceremonies.

Once at risk of extinction, the royal pomelo variety was revived in 2005 through Thanh Hoa’s restoration program. Surviving parent trees were selected, rejuvenated, and propagated. In 2013, it earned geographical indication certification, and by 2020, it achieved the 3-star OCOP rating in the province.

Today, the Red Pomelo of Luan Van holds a strong market presence, especially in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Annually, this royal variety generates tens of billions of VND in revenue, providing stable employment for hundreds of locals, reaffirming its status as a prized Thanh Hoa specialty during Tet.

For sustainable development, local authorities and cooperatives are transitioning to eco-friendly, safe production methods. Expanding VietGAP and organic cultivation, reducing chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and adopting advanced techniques protect soil, water, and hill ecosystems.

Concurrently, preserving native genetic resources, controlling seed quality, tracing origins, and integrating agricultural tourism are long-term strategies to enhance economic value and maintain the royal pomelo’s market reputation.