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Story: Hien Phung
Photos: Quang Ngoc
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with heartfelt gifts grown in Vietnam’s bountiful highlands.
As spring touches Vietnam’s Central Highlands, their cherished flavors become heartfelt New Year gifts. Each offering – whether fresh or skillfully crafted – captures the essence of the region and sends wishes for a peaceful, abundant, and warm year ahead.
Krong Pa Sun-Dried Beef – A Ballad of Wind and Sun
From the sun-scorched land of Krong Pa in Gia Lai Province, bo mot nang embodies the wild spirit of the Central Highlands. Tender young beef is marinated in lemongrass, chili, and local spices, then dried under the blazing sun until it is firm on the outside and juicy on the inside. When grilled over charcoal, its aroma blends with the fiery tang of yellow-ant salt, delivering a bold, unforgettable flavor.
Artichoke Tea – A Gentle Taste of the Changing Seasons
Artichokes are a source of pride in Dalat, where the cool climate nurtures deep green, plump artichokes rich in nutrients. Beyond being a premium cooking ingredient, artichoke is valued as a “wellness specialty,” as every part of this plant – leaves, stems, roots, and flowers – can be used to make various products. The most popular are tea bags made from dried flower buds, offering a light, refreshing beverage.
Hibiscus Preserves – A Hint of Mountain Dew
Crimson hibiscus blossoms – tropical, vibrant, and delicately tart – are cherished for their flavor and fragrance. Their fleshy calyxes can easily be turned into preserves, syrup, or dried for making tea. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, hibiscus tea is a delicious and refreshing drink loved by many.
Wind-Dried Persimmons – Gems of the Spring Season
Fresh persimmons are peeled and hung for weeks in the sun and wind of the highlands, gradually transforming into a refined and poetic delicacy. A thin amber skin encases the fruit’s dense, naturally sweet interior. Paired with a warm cup of tea, the persimmon’s mellow sweetness offsets the tea’s gentle bitterness. This mix of flavors embodies the essence of spring.
Crispy Freeze-Dried Strawberries – A Modern Highland Treat
Known for its lush strawberry gardens, Dalat has become famous for its signature freeze-dried strawberries. Using advanced sublimation technology, each berry retains its shape, color, and natural flavor. Each crisp bite reveals a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness – making freeze-dried strawberries a delightful snack and an elegant New Year’s gift.
Candied Young Ginger – The Warmth of the Highlands
In the cool air of early spring, candied ginger is an essential holiday treat. Thin slices of young ginger are blanched to tame the spiciness, simmered with sugar over charcoal until golden and glossy, and coated with a delicate dusting of crystallized sugar. Sweet, spicy, and warming, candied ginger pairs perfectly with a cup of tea during the first days of the year.
Blending the refinement of modern living with the raw charm of the Central Highlands, every gift from the mountains carries the flavors and memories of this region, forming a heartfelt offering shaped by diligent hands. Infused with the essence of sun, wind, and cool highland mist, these gifts become bridges connecting regions and honoring the treasures bestowed by Mother Nature.
