Building Phu Thien Sophora flower tea brand

She is currently trying to build a brand for Phu Thien Sophora japonica tea products to expand the consumption market.

Barren land blooms

Under the blazing sun of early April, Ms. Nhung's family's lush garden of locust flowers stands out like a highlight in the arid and rocky land of Ia Ptau.

Taking us on a tour of the fragrant Sophora japonica garden, Ms. Nhung shared about her bold decision two years ago. At that time, the entire area was planted with rice, cassava, and sugarcane. However, due to the barren land and unstable agricultural prices, the income was not worth much.

After studying some economic development models in localities in the province, realizing that Sophora japonica is easy to grow, requires little care, has a long-term harvest, and has a stable price, she discussed with her husband to convert 3 hectares to grow this type of tree.

Ms. Bui Thi Tuyet Nhung (right cover, Ia Ptau village, Ia Sol commune, Phu Thien district) leads visitors to visit her family's locust flower garden. Photo: Vu Chi

Initially, due to lack of experience in care, the Sophora japonica flower area was waterlogged, wilted and died en masse, causing her to lose more than 200 million VND. Undaunted, she renovated the entire area, dug high trenches and replanted.

Heaven does not disappoint those who work hard. After 1 year, the Sophora japonica tree began to flower and yield a harvest once a week. Seeing the effectiveness, the couple continued to convert all 10 hectares of ineffective farming land to Sophora japonica, including 8 hectares in Phu Thien district and 2 hectares in Chu Se district. With this model, her family created regular jobs for 5 workers and seasonal jobs for about 15-20 local workers.

Ms. Nhung draws her experience: Sophora japonica is not too picky about soil. However, the soil must be well-drained. The tree is rarely affected by pests and can be harvested for 10 years before needing to be replanted. To save on care, Ms. Nhung installed a water-saving irrigation system using solar power for the entire area.

“After 2 years of planting and caring for the Sophora japonica tree, I can confirm that it is very suitable for the local climate and soil conditions. Currently, the entire Sophora japonica area has started to yield about 150,000 kg of dried flowers per harvest. With a selling price of 150,000 VND/kg, after deducting expenses, the family earns over 40 million VND/month. When the Sophora japonica tree is 3 years old or older, the income can increase 2-3 times the current amount,” Ms. Nhung calculated.

Branding

From the raw place, in early 2025, Ms. Nhung started producing Sophora japonica flower tea. She harvested the flower buds when they were as small as rice grains because this is the time when the flower buds contain the most active ingredients that are beneficial to health. After picking the stems and leaves, she dried them for about 30-40 minutes and then dried them directly under the sunlight before packaging. Thanks to that, the tea has a natural yellow color and a mild aroma. The product brings many health benefits, especially in supporting the regulation of high blood pressure, reducing stress and improving blood circulation.

After drying, Ms. Nhung dried the pagoda flower buds under direct sunlight so that the pagoda flower tea retained its color and gentle aroma. Photo: Vu Chi

On average, about 4 kg of fresh flower buds after drying will yield 1 kg of tea. For the convenience of consumers, she packages the product in 3 sizes: 250 grams, 500 grams and 1 kg with a selling price of 200,000 VND/kg.

She is currently completing the application to participate in the district's OCOP Program in 2025 to build a brand for Sophora japonica tea products, create trust for consumers and expand the consumption market.

Ms. Nhung said: In order to build a chain of links in production, recently, she and her husband decided to establish the Duc Thanh Dat Agricultural Service Cooperative (HTX) with 8 members, with Mr. Do Van Nhan (Ms. Nhung's husband) as the Director. The goal of the Cooperative is to link with members to implement a project of growing medicinal plants on an area of ​​about 30 hectares. The Cooperative commits to supplying seeds and consuming products for members to form a closed chain of links.

Sophora japonica tea products of Ms. Bui Thi Tuyet Nhung's family are displayed at the Phu Thien district agricultural market. Photo: VC

Mr. Pham Van Quyen - Deputy Head of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Phu Thien district - said: After 2 years of implementation, the model of growing Sophora japonica flowers of Ms. Nhung's family has brought initial results. Sophora japonica tea products are being favored and highly appreciated by the market.

Currently, Duc Thanh Dat Agricultural Service Cooperative is on the right track when joining hands with members to build a closed chain of links in growing and processing products from Sophora flower buds.

In its role, the Department is responsible for supporting Ms. Nhung’s family and the Cooperative in building a brand, promoting products and implementing projects. The model is expected to create jobs for local workers, open up a new direction in transforming crop structure, and promote local economic development.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/xay-dung-thuong-hieu-tra-hoa-hoe-phu-thien-post318471.html