Ben Tre, the verdant land of coconut palms, is not only celebrated for its lush orchards but also as the birthplace of the renowned coconut candy craft. A trip to Ben Tre’s coconut candy villages offers a unique experience, drawing visitors eager to uncover the beauty of traditional culture and savor the distinctive sweetness of this region. In Ben Tre, you’ll witness the meticulous process of crafting coconut candy by hand and have the chance to participate in each step, gaining a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance embedded in every delectable piece.
Discover the History and Uniqueness of Ben Tre Coconut Candy Craft Villages
The coconut candy making tradition in Ben Tre has a rich history spanning over a century, originating in the 1930s in Mo Cay Nam district. Initially, coconut candy production was small-scale, bearing the unique flavor of Mo Cay and fondly known by locals as “Mo Cay candy.” Over time, the delicious, rich taste of coconut candy spread, becoming a famous specialty of Ben Tre, the land of coconuts, and captivating generations of palates.
A significant milestone in the development of Ben Tre’s coconut candy craft occurred in 1970 when Mrs. Nguyen Thi Vinh in Ben Tre city innovated the processing method and established the Thanh Long coconut candy production facility. This marked the first coconut candy brand in Ben Tre, laying the foundation for the strong growth of this traditional craft. Since then, Ben Tre’s coconut candy making has continuously expanded, meeting the increasing demands of domestic and international markets, and solidifying its position as a representative craft village deeply rooted in Ben Tre’s cultural identity.
Today, visiting Ben Tre’s coconut candy villages is not just an opportunity to taste a specialty but also a journey to explore culture, learn about local life, and connect with the people. Visitors can immerse themselves in the peaceful countryside atmosphere, witness the talent and skill of the artisans, and feel the dedication and passion infused into each sweet coconut candy.
A long-standing traditional craft of Ben Tre coconut candy making originated in Mo Cay Nam district
The Handmade Coconut Candy Making Process: Ben Tre Culinary Essence
Creating the flavorful and distinctive Ben Tre coconut candy requires artisans to undergo numerous meticulous and elaborate steps. The main ingredients are simple and familiar: coconut milk, white sugar, and maltose syrup. However, selecting high-quality ingredients demands experience and deep understanding from the craftspeople.
The maltose syrup must be made from sticky rice varieties like “Nep Cai Hoa Vang” or “Nep Sap,” choosing large, plump grains with mature sprouts to ensure natural sweetness. Coconuts for milk extraction must be mature, with thick flesh, carefully grated to squeeze out all the rich, fragrant coconut cream. White or yellow granulated sugar is commonly used, depending on each facility’s unique recipe to create the characteristic color and flavor of their coconut candy.
The traditional handmade coconut candy making process in Ben Tre involves several steps, each requiring the artisan’s skill, meticulousness, and experience:
- Cooking Maltose Syrup: Carefully selected maltose syrup is cooked in a large wok over low heat. The artisan must continuously stir to prevent burning and achieve the necessary smooth and viscous consistency.
- Preparing Coconut Milk: Mature coconuts are grated to extract the flesh, then squeezed to obtain coconut milk. Rich, creamy coconut milk is crucial for the distinct flavor of Ben Tre coconut candy.
- Candy Stirring: This is the most critical step, determining the candy’s quality. Coconut milk, sugar, and maltose syrup are placed in a large wok and heated over medium heat. The artisan must continuously stir evenly, control the heat, and adjust ingredient ratios to prevent burning or the candy becoming too hard or too soft. This process demands patience, meticulousness, and experience.
- Pouring into Molds and Cutting: When the candy reaches the desired consistency, it is poured into molds lined with parchment paper or rice paper. After cooling and solidifying, the candy is cut into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Wrapping: After cutting, coconut candies are wrapped in cellophane or rice paper for preservation and enhanced presentation.
Today, alongside traditional handmade methods, many Ben Tre coconut candy producers have incorporated machinery and modern technology into some steps to increase productivity and meet market demands. However, handmade coconut candies remain highly favored for their unique flavor and the traditional cultural value they represent.
Ben Tre coconut candy making demands meticulousness, diligence, and skill from the artisans
Ben Tre Coconut Candy Village Tourism: A Unique Cultural Experience
Visiting Ben Tre’s coconut candy villages offers tourists incredibly interesting and unique cultural experiences. Here, you can witness firsthand the traditional handmade coconut candy making process, from selecting ingredients to completing the delicious candies. You can participate in the candy making steps with the artisans, stirring, cutting, and wrapping candies yourself, to better appreciate the hard work and dedication of these craftspeople.
Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to taste freshly made, warm coconut candies, experiencing the sweet, rich flavor melting in their mouths. You can also purchase coconut candy as gifts for family and friends, sharing the specialty flavors of Ben Tre.
Coconut candy craft villages in Ben Tre often combine with eco-tourism tours of coconut gardens and riverside orchards, creating diverse and attractive experiential journeys. Visitors can explore lush coconut gardens, enjoy fresh, sweet coconut water, and learn about the traditional coconut candy craft and other local handicrafts.
Many foreign tourists visit to discover and experience Ben Tre coconut candy making
Suggested Famous Coconut Candy Villages in Ben Tre for Tourists
Ben Tre currently has over 180 coconut candy production facilities, mainly concentrated in Mo Cay Nam, Mo Cay Bac, Chau Thanh districts, and Ben Tre city. Some famous coconut candy villages that tourists can visit in Ben Tre include:
- Coconut Candy Village, Ward 7, Ben Tre City: This is the oldest and most famous village, attracting many tourists for visits and experiences. Here, you can tour traditional coconut candy production facilities, learn about the craft’s history, and sample coconut candy on-site.
- Coconut Candy Village, Tan Thach Commune, Chau Thanh District: This area is known for its family-run coconut candy facilities, still preserving traditional handmade methods. Visitors can tour candy workshops, learn about the production process, and purchase quality coconut candy products.
- Coconut Candy Production Facilities along National Highway 60, Mo Cay Nam and Mo Cay Bac Districts: Along National Highway 60, passing through Mo Cay Nam and Mo Cay Bac districts, there are many coconut candy production facilities, both large and small. Tourists can easily stop by to visit, shop, and enjoy coconut candy.
When visiting Ben Tre’s coconut candy villages, tourists should choose reputable production facilities to ensure product quality and food safety. It is also advisable to research village tours in advance for a complete and meaningful experiential journey.
Currently, coconut candy villages are mainly concentrated in Chau Thanh, Mo Cay Nam, Mo Cay Bac districts, and Ben Tre city
Many traditional handmade coconut candy villages in Ben Tre province organize tours for visitors to observe and make their own candy
Conclusion
Visiting Ben Tre’s coconut candy villages is not just a culinary exploration but also an opportunity to learn about the culture, history, and people of the coconut land. Ben Tre’s coconut candy making is a beautiful tradition that needs to be preserved and promoted, contributing to the richness of Vietnamese cultural identity. Come to Ben Tre to experience coconut candy village tourism and feel the sweet taste of life, you are welcome!