Discover the Luan Van pomelo, a royal tribute specialty.

 

1. General Introduction to Luan Van Pomelo

1.1 Origin of Luan Van Pomelo

Luan Van Pomelo is known to originate from Luan Van village, located in Tho Xuong commune of Tho Xuan district, now Lam Son commune. This is a land located near the historical site of Lam Son, which witnessed the heroic uprising led by Le Loi in the early 15th century. Currently, this precious pomelo variety is mainly grown in Tho Xuong and Xuan Bai communes, with an area of hundreds of hectares and tens of families preserving and caring for it.

 

Luận Văn Pomelo is a famous royal tribute specialty of Thanh Hoa. (Source: Collected)

The name " Luận Văn Pomelo " originates from the ancient village where this fruit first appeared, closely associated with a land of long-standing history. The first pomelo trees took root here long ago, passed down through many generations and still retain unique characteristics in color and flavor that few other pomelo varieties can match.

1.2 Long-standing Historical Value

The title "royal tribute pomelo" of Luận Văn Pomelo was formed during the Hậu Lê dynasty. On important occasions, this fruit was often selected as a tribute to the royal court, demonstrating the high quality and distinctiveness of Luận Văn Pomelo compared to ordinary pomelos.

Some local legends recount that when the Lam Sơn insurgents gathered in this area, the local people offered the finest pomelos as provisions, joining forces with the insurgents to achieve victory. This further deepens the historical significance and spiritual value of this pomelo.

In 2012, the Thanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee granted geographical indication protection for Luận Văn Pomelo . By 2020, the product was recognized as a 4-star OCOP product, solidifying this specialty's position within the national high-quality agricultural product system.

2. Distinctive Features of Luận Văn Pomelo

2.1 Characteristic Red Color from Peel to Flesh

The special mark that makes Luận Văn Pomelo stand out is its striking red color from peel to flesh. When ripe, around the 10th-11th lunar months, the pomelo peel gradually turns from green to a gac red, blending into a vibrant scene like lanterns hanging on trees.

Not stopping at the peel color, the pith and each segment also have a characteristic pinkish-red hue. Especially when eaten, the segments of Luận Văn Pomelo are juicy, with a mild, sweet taste, a natural fragrance, and very few seeds, making them extremely convenient.

The pomelo has a round, uniform shape and large size; when displayed on a feast tray, it becomes a prominent highlight, adding to the solemnity. This vibrant appearance also causes Luận Văn Pomelo to be seen as an embodiment of luck and prosperity in Vietnamese culture during holidays and Tet.

2.2 Role in Life

Luận Văn Pomelo is not just a fruit for fresh consumption but also holds an important position in local production and culture. Economically, this pomelo variety brings a stable income to farming households each season, especially during Tet when demand surges.

The pomelo garden also brings economic value to farmers. (Source: Collected)

In terms of spirituality, Luan Van pomelo is often chosen to be solemnly placed on the altar, used as an offering on important occasions. The red color of the pomelo symbolizes luck, abundance, and a wish for a year of reunion and peace.

For many families in Thanh Hoa, displaying Luan Van pomelo on the altar during Tet is an indispensable cultural practice, showing gratitude to ancestors and the spirit of preserving hometown traditions.

3. Luan Van Pomelo Price and Harvest Season

3.1 Reference prices per fruit, per dozen, or per kg

Luan Van pomelo (Thanh Hoa) is a famous specialty known for its thin skin, red flesh, refreshing aroma, and characteristic mild sweetness. Thanks to its superior quality and not-yet-abundant supply, the price of Luan Van pomelo on the market is currently always high compared to ordinary pomelos.

Luan Van pomelo is always a popular specialty during Tet holidays. (Source: Collected)

Currently, the price of Luan Van pomelo ranges around 100,000 VND/fruit, depending on size and peel quality. During the Lunar New Year (Tet Nguyen Dan), when the demand for gifts increases significantly, prices can reach up to 250,000 - 300,000 VND/fruit, even higher for bunches of pomelos with beautiful shapes, shiny peels, uniform fruits, and vibrant red color.

Due to their aesthetic value and special feng shui meaning, Luan Van pomelos are usually sold individually or in pairs, instead of by kilogram. For beautiful, balanced pairs of pomelos symbolizing prosperity - luck, the price is usually higher, but they are still favored by many customers as gifts during holidays and Tet.

3.2 Main harvest season

The main harvest season of Luan Van pomelo lasts from September to December each year, coinciding with the preparation time for festivals and traditional Tet. This timing helps the product have high commercial value, meeting the large demand of the year-end market.

 

When it's harvest season, the skin of Luan Van pomelo usually turns a persimmon red color. (Source: Collected)

Besides the main season, there are still supplementary harvests during the Mid-Autumn Festival or early in the year, but the output is more limited. The highest quality and price still belong to fruits harvested during the main season.

3.3 Notes on selecting and buying Luan Van pomelo

To select high-quality Luan Van pomelo, prioritize fruits with a round, even shape, a taut, shiny skin with a natural, uniform red hue. A good pomelo will be heavy because the segments are firm and juicy, not bruised or wilted.

To ensure the origin, visitors should order directly from long-standing farming households or reputable orchards in the region. Choosing products with the "Luận Văn" geographical indication label is also a way to ensure accurate quality and clear origin.

4. Suggestions for enjoying and gifting

4.1 Enjoying fresh, juicing

Luan Van pomelo is not only attractive for its light fragrance and juicy segments but also captivates consumers with its characteristic sweet, refreshing taste. The simplest and most complete way to enjoy it is fresh, to clearly feel each crisp, juicy segment, the flavor harmoniously blending sweetness and mild tartness, spreading across the palate.

Besides enjoying it fresh, Luan Van pomelo juice is also an ideal choice for those who love natural drinks. The juice has an eye-catching pink-orange color, rich in vitamin C and nutrients, providing a refreshing, cool feeling without added sugar. Especially when combined with fruit salads or desserts at parties, the bright colors and mild sweetness of the pomelo make the dish more sophisticated and appealing.

4.2 Gifting for Tet - a luxurious and meaningful present

Not just a delicious fruit, Luan Van pomelo is also considered a precious gift carrying meanings of luck and prosperity, often appearing in the Tet five-fruit tray or as a high-class gift. The taut, shiny skin, with a golden-red hue, symbolizes fortune and prosperity, making each pomelo a wish for peace and prosperity sent to the recipient.

 

Luan Van pomelo is purchased directly from the garden. (Source: Collected)

These pairs of pomelos, carefully selected, meticulously packaged, and delicately presented, not only demonstrate the thoughtfulness of the giver but also honor the traditional cultural values of the Thanh Hoa region. Gifting Luan Van pomelo during holidays and Tet is therefore not simply giving a gift, but also a way to convey affection, appreciation, and wishes for peace in the new year.

5. Combining with Thanh Hoa tourism

5.1 Luan Van pomelo garden

The journey to discover Luan Van pomelo is not just about enjoying the famous specialty, but also an opportunity for visitors to fully experience the simple beauty of the North Central region. During the harvest season, pomelo gardens stretch out in vibrant red and yellow hues, fruits hang heavy on the branches, their fragrance fills the air.

Luan Van Pomelo Garden covers tens of hectares. (Source: Collected)

Visitors can witness firsthand the process of caring for and harvesting pomelos, chat with local farmers to learn more about the cultivation secrets and the passion for the profession of the people of Thanh Hoa. Vibrant frames in the early sun, friendly smiles amidst the orchards are unforgettable experiences of this journey.

5.2 Lam Kinh Historical Site

Leaving the pomelo garden, visitors can visit the special national historical site of Lam Kinh. This is the place associated with the Lam Son uprising and the glorious Le Dynasty in the nation's history. About 20km from Tho Xuan area, Lam Kinh is a complex of relics with great architectural, cultural, and historical value.

 

Lam Kinh Historical Site is associated with the Hau Ly dynasty. (Source: Collected)

The complex includes the Dragon Yard, the mausoleum of King Le Thai To, the Jade Well, and an ancestor guava tree over 600 years old. The ancient space, shaded by green trees and accompanied by the resonant sound of temple bells, brings a sense of peace and sacredness. This is an ideal destination for those who want to learn about the cultural roots, the spirit of uprising, and the national pride of the Thanh Hoa people.

5.3 Sam Son Beach

After immersing themselves in the cultural and historical space, visitors can continue their journey to Sam Son Beach, a famous beach with a long stretch of white sand, gentle waves, and poetic scenery.

The outstanding highlight in Sam Son is Sun World Sam Son with the leading modern water park in the North Central region, spanning an area of 33.5 ha, featuring over 30 top-notch games. Visitors can conquer the giant water slide, enjoy the multi-lane slide area, the wave pool, and a separate water play area for children.

 

Sun World Sam Son is a destination for every family. (Source: Collected)

The park is designed inspired by the epic “De Dat De Nuoc” of the Muong people, bringing a space that is both vibrant, modern, and rich in folk cultural identity. Not only an ideal place to cool off in the summer, Sun World Sam Son is also a colorful check-in spot, blending art, nature, and emotions, offering a complete resort experience for all visitors when coming to Thanh Hoa.

 

Luan Van Pomelo is not only a famous specialty of Thanh Hoa but also a bridge between historical and modern values. Each segment of the pomelo is a crystallization of sun and wind, alluvial soil, and love for the homeland, carrying a characteristic fresh, sweet flavor found only in the land of Thanh Hoa. Try experiencing the land of Thanh Hoa once to feel the special aftertaste of the king's tribute pomelo along with the heroic pages of history of Lam Son homeland.