Soursop flavor, hometown flavor

February comes, Tay Ninh's land and sky change in the dry sunshine, but that does not make the custard apple gardens here less vibrant. In the vast gardens, custard apple trees have bright green leaves, lush branches waiting for the fruit to ripen. Tay Ninh - a land of year-round wind and "sunshine", has embraced the wild tree that has become the brand of the hometown's agricultural products.

Tay Ninh custard apple. Photo: Huynh Dong

Tay Ninh has long been famous for its custard apple variety, with large fruit, thick flesh, and a sweet taste. In a place where nature is not too favorable in terms of climate, the custard apple trees still take root deep into the ground, reaching out to the sun each season, blooming and bearing fruit.

Tay Ninh people love this land as much as they love the custard apple tree, because it is the embodiment of perseverance and hard work like the people here. The custard apple tree grows up diligently, requiring a lot of care, from the time it flowers until the fruit is ready to harvest. Because more than anyone else, farmers understand that a favorable crop is a journey of careful, meticulous care.

Soursop does not like much water, unseasonal rains can cause the skin to crack, affecting the quality. Therefore, from the time the fruit is young, growers must pay attention, prune the branches, check each fruit to choose the healthiest fruit to nurture. Farmers can recognize every small sign on the tree, from slightly yellowed leaves to dark spots on the skin of the fruit, and adjust the care regimen accordingly.

For farmers, every day they step into the garden is a day of dedicated work. Hands touching each leaf, eyes watching each young fruit grow, they look forward to the day the custard apples ripen - the day smiles will shine on their sunburnt faces.

Tay Ninh custard apple has a unique flavor that cannot be found anywhere else. The sweet, slightly sour taste and special aroma spread throughout makes it unforgettable for anyone who has ever tasted it . From custard apple , Tay Ninh people also process it into many rustic and attractive dishes . A cool , fragrant custard apple smoothie in the Southern sun, or simply eat it fresh to feel the sweetness on the tip of the tongue . Custard apple is also dried, made into jam, ice cream, becoming rustic, meaningful gifts from the countryside.

Moreover, Tay Ninh custard apple is also the livelihood of many families. Thanks to custard apple trees, many farming households have escaped poverty and have a more stable life. During the bumper custard apple season, farmers are very happy. Happy because the agricultural products are in season. And happy because the pride of the homeland can go far, bringing the sweet, rich taste to more and more people everywhere.

No matter how much time has changed, the custard apple tree still firmly clings to the ground and is always the pride of Tay Ninh people. Nowadays, thanks to advanced farming techniques, custard apple products are not only consumed domestically but also exported to many other countries. But no matter where they are, no matter how they change their farming methods, Tay Ninh people still maintain their heart for the fruit of their land.

There are people who have spent their whole lives with the custard apple garden, their hair has turned grey but their hands still deftly tend to the trees, their eyes still shine with joy when they see the plump fruits. There are children who live far away, and whenever they miss their homeland, they immediately think of the sweet custard apple, as if remembering their childhood spent around their parents' garden.

February has passed, the custard apple orchards are still green. Tay Ninh people are still diligent, cherishing each branch and young fruit as if cherishing their own dream. Looking at the orchards, they not only see the sweet fruit, but also see the beauty of their homeland - simple but durable, rustic but full of love.

Duc Anh

Source: https://baotayninh.vn/huong-mang-cau-vi-que-huong-a186184.html