The Story of Binh Thuan - Vietnam's Dragon Fruit Capital

Create at: 25/02/2021

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Bình Thuận - Vietnam's Dragon Fruit Capital

Recognized as the nation's premier dragon fruit hub, Bình Thuận accounts for over 70% of Vietnam's total cultivation area.

Key Statistics (per Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture):
• 32 provinces grow dragon fruit nationwide
• Bình Thuận alone supplies nearly 500,000 tons annually
• Hàm Thuận Nam & Hàm Thuận Bắc districts lead the province in production scale

From Sour Ornament to Sweet Success

Before the Southern Fruit Research Institute introduced today's large, sweet round-fruit varieties, Bình Thuận's native dragon fruit was a small, sour wild plant. Local folklore tells how its potential was discovered:

Ancient Origins: Long grown as an ornamental plant for its stunning night-blooming "moon flowers"
Accidental Discovery: A Hàm Thuận Bắc farmer during Tết noticed stored fruits developed unexpected sweetness
Turning Point: This revealed the fruit's post-harvest ripening secret, transforming its culinary value

Modern Cultivation Breakthroughs

Genetic Diversity:

Red, white & pink-flesh varieties dominate plantations
Golden dragon fruit (recently introduced by the Southern Fruit Research Institute)

Global Reach:

Traditionally supplied domestic and Chinese markets
Now exported to premium markets like Australia through trade promotions

The Science Behind the Fruit

Growth Cycle:

Propagation: Primarily via cuttings (faster than seeds)
Timeline:
- 3-4 months: Vines climb trellises
- 8 months: Moonflower blooms (19:00 daily)
- 6 weeks: Flower-to-ripe fruit

Yield Optimization:

Pruning: 1-2 fruits per vine for premium size
Annual Cycles: 6-8 harvests in-season
Lifespan: 20-100+ years (peak yield at 3-4 years)

The "Lightbulb Moment" Revolution

A duck farmer's accidental discovery in Hàm Thuận Bắc changed everything:

Night Lighting Technique:
- 500 bulbs/acre for 10-20 nights
- Triggers 3 extra annual harvests (12 total)
Result: Orchards glow like daylight during off-season production

Nutrition & Innovation

Superfruit Qualities: 150-200g fruits rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamins B/C
Value-Added Products:
- Wines & vinegars
- Dried snacks & candies
- Jams & cosmetic extracts

Today's Legacy:
Bình Thuận's 34,000+ hectares yield 700,000+ tons annually, blending ancestral wisdom with cutting-edge agriculture to sustain Vietnam's "Dragon Fruit Capital" crown.