THE COCONUT, AN INDISPENSABLE FRIEND IN VIETNAM FOLK CULTURE

Coconut trees are one of the typical symbols of rural Vietnam. Not only is it beautiful, but it also brings many economic and cultural benefits to the Vietnamese people. With millions of coconut trees planted throughout the country, coconut trees have become an indispensable part of Vietnam's life and economy. In this article, we will learn about the great benefits of coconut trees, techniques for planting and caring for coconut trees, popular types of coconut trees in Vietnam, and the role of coconut trees in culture and art. Vietnam.

Common Types of Coconut Trees in Vietnam and Their Applications

Vietnam is one of the countries with the largest coconut growing area in the world, with about 175,000 hectares of land planted with coconut trees. There are many different species of coconut trees, but the most popular in Vietnam are Siamese coconuts and dried coconuts.

Coconut

Siamese coconut is a type of coconut with a thin shell and a green color when ripe. When drinking Siamese coconut water, people often leave a part of the coconut shell inside to create the shape of a ball. This type of coconut has a sweet flavor and is used to make drinks and dishes such as coconut cakes, coconut cream, and coconut sandwiches.

Dry coconut

Dried coconut is a type of coconut that has a thicker shell and is brown when ripe. When ripe, the coconut will be removed and dried in the sun to produce dried coconut. Dried coconut is used in many dishes such as coconut jam, coconut cake, and snacks.

Dwarf coconut

Dwarf Siamese coconut, also known as Siamese coconut, is a coconut variety that has been around for a long time but only recently had a name to distinguish it from green Siamese coconut and pineapple Siamese coconut... Until now, many growers inside and outside Ben Tre province still call them by another name, Siamese coconut.

Red Siamese coconut

This coconut shell is reddish brown, the juice has a sweet taste (7-7.5% sugar), and the water volume is 250-350ml/fruit. Red Siamese coconut is widely consumed.

Dried red Siamese coconut meat will be used for oil, to make cakes, jams, candy, and by-products used as animal feed or fertilizer.

Coconut pineapple

Pineapple coconut is also a drinking coconut variety with high quality and economic value. Because all parts of the pineapple coconut have a characteristic pandan leaf aroma, this variety of coconut is called pineapple coconut.

Unique dishes from coconut trees.

Mussel soup with coconut milk: Mussel soup with coconut milk is a unique and delicious dish of Ben Tre that is loved by many people. This dish is present in many Western provinces, but only in Ben Tre can it have the most delicious taste. When enjoying, the soft noodle soup mixed with the rich, fragrant smell of coconut water and the chewy sweetness of mussels will make diners linger forever.

Coconut tubers: Coconut tubers (or coconut shoots) are one of the famous specialties in Ben Tre. This is the young core located at the top of the trunk of the coconut tree. Coconut tofu can be used to prepare rustic but unique, attractive dishes with bold characteristics such as stir-fried coconut tofu with chicken intestines, squeezed coconut tofu, coconut tofu salad, or sometimes left alone. eat raw.

When enjoying dishes made from this ingredient, the first impression you will feel is the sweetness, crunchiness when chewing, and coolness. Not only is it fresh and delicious, but coconut tubers are also rich in nutrients and are very good for health, especially the digestive system.

Bananas pounded with coconut milk: First, people peel off the banana skin and then put it on the charcoal grill until all sides are scorched. After baking for about 5 minutes, each piece of banana is placed in a plastic bag and pounded vigorously with a pestle. After being beaten, the bananas are grilled a second time.

When enjoying, dip the grilled banana directly into the bowl of coconut milk with green onions. The dish's flavors combine harmoniously with sweet and fragrant grilled bananas, rich coconut milk, a little salty salt, and the aroma of onions.

Great Benefits From Coconut Trees: From Food to Medicine

The coconut tree is not only a beautiful ornamental plant but also brings many significant benefits to humans. In agriculture, coconut trees are used to produce familiar foods such as coconut water, coconut, dried coconut, and fresh coconut. Coconut water is one of the very popular drinks in Vietnam, has a sweet taste, and helps supplement many vitamins and minerals for the body. Siamese coconut and dried coconut are also used to make traditional dishes such as coconut cake, coconut cream, and coconut wrap.

Not only is it a rich food source, but coconut trees also play an important role in folk medicine. Periwinkle stems and leaves also have skin-lifting and blood-purifying properties. At the same time, this medicinal herb has been used to relieve urination, and diuretics, to treat frequent urination, and painful urination, stop menstruation, and high blood pressure, in some places it is used as a sweating medicine, and to treat poor digestion. and dysentery.

Coconut Trees in Vietnamese Culture and Art

Coconut trees have become an indispensable part of the culture and art of the Vietnamese people for hundreds of years. With their exquisite beauty and symbolic meaning, coconut trees appear in many works of art such as paintings, folk heritage, and handicrafts.

Coconut trees in folk paintings

Vietnamese folk paintings often have simple but sophisticated images of coconut trees. Coconut trees are used to symbolize the peaceful, harmonious, and prosperous life of the Vietnamese people.

Coconut tree in crafts

In addition to being used as a material to produce dishes such as coconut cakes and dried coconut, coconut trees are also used to make handicrafts such as mats, conical hats, and bags. These products not only have economic value but also imbue the culture of the Vietnamese people.

The Economic Role of Coconut Trees for Farmers in the Southern Region

With millions of coconut trees planted throughout the lands of Vietnam, coconut trees have become a main source of income for many farming households. Coconut trees not only bring profit from selling products such as coconut water, coconut, and dried coconut, but also create many jobs for people to make a living.

In addition, coconut trees also play an important role in the development of the tourism economy in Vietnam. With the wild and attractive beauty of coconut trees, many tourist attractions in Vietnam, especially the Southern region, have been built near coconut tree growing areas to attract tourists. This has helped increase income for farming households.

Conclude

In the context of a developing economy, coconut trees play an important role in providing a source of income for many farming households in Vietnam. From food and medicine to inspiration for culture and tourism, coconut trees bring many great benefits to the community.

However, to protect and develop coconut trees sustainably, we need to be consistent in applying environmental protection measures, improving product quality, and increasing added value for the industry. industry from coconut trees. Only through proper care and protection can the coconut tree truly realize its great potential.