Simmered palm fruits in early winter

Phu Tho is still considered the capital of palm trees, the palm trees are most concentrated in districts such as Doan Hung, Cam Khe, Yen Lap, Thanh Ba. Not only does it bring economic value, since ancient times, palm trees have been attached and present in people’s lives as an indispensable part.

Old palm leaves are used to cover roofs, make brooms, “banh te” leaves are used to make palm leaf rice balls... In particular, the simmered palm fruit, although rustic and simple, contains many cultural and spiritual values and is considered as a specialty of the ancestral land every time Phu Tho is mentioned.

In the middle of the year, palm trees begin to flower and have fruits. By the end of October, the palm fruit begins to ripen, the shell from green when young fruit turns to dark purple when the fruit reaches maturity. Depending on weather conditions, the ripening palm season can last up to several months. During the season, people start harvesting palm trees. Perennial palm trees with thick leaves often produce delicious fruits. The palm tree is tall and covered in thorns, so in order to get it, people often use a step to climb or use a pole to poke the palm fruits down. If not picked carefully, the palm fruits will be bruised and crushed, reducing its deliciousness while preparing.

Although the appearance of palm fruits is not eye-catching, when simmered, it becomes a favorite food of many people, and is even considered a “specialty” sought by urban residents and people in many other provinces.

After being harvested, the crushed, broken and wormy palm fruits are removed, then the shell is cleaned. People can use a knife to scrape the outer layer, or put them in a basket and shake them evenly, or in large quantities, they can use a machine to scrape the shell, then wash them, select the quality fruits and simmer them in boiled water at a temperature of about 80 degrees Celsius. The simmering time is about 25 - 30 minutes depending on the maturity level of the palm fruits. You need to adjust the water temperature and time appropriately, when the water surface floats yellow palm scum, the fruits become soft when separated, they are ripe. After the palm fruits are ripe, remove the water and mix them in sugar well so the sugar soaks into the palm fruits. Delicious palm fruits are currently sold for about 100,000 VND/kg.

Thu Huong