The Story of Bo Ly Custard Apples

These days, the hills of Dai Dinh Commune, Phu Tho Province, are once again blanketed in vibrant green as clusters of Bo Ly custard apples ripen under the sun. Formerly part of Bo Ly Commune, this land has become the “capital” of a celebrated regional delicacy: Bo Ly chewy custard apples.

The success of Bo Ly custard apples lies in their perfect harmony with the local natural conditions. This fruit variety thrives in the mountainous soil and climate of Dai Dinh, is easy to cultivate, and offers quick harvests. More importantly, Bo Ly custard apples are renowned for unique qualities rarely found elsewhere: large fruit size, soft green skin, creamy ivory flesh, few seeds, and above all, an exceptionally fragrant aroma. Their sweet, chewy, and slightly sticky pulp has created a distinct brand identity that’s unmistakable. Furthermore, the fruit has a long shelf life and resists bruising, making it ideal for transportation and distribution.

To enhance both quality and economic value, Dai Dinh farmers have steadily improved their cultivation methods. With a strong focus on food safety, many households now apply modern farming techniques. According to Mr. Hoang Van Tinh, Chairman of the Dai Dinh Commune Farmers’ Association: “Thanks to techniques such as pruning, hand pollination, and appropriate fertilization, our custard apples are grown using 100% organic fertilizer, without any pesticides. Pests are removed manually.”

Thanks to this clean farming approach, Bo Ly custard apples sell extremely well. “Traders come directly to the orchards to buy as soon as we harvest,” Mr. Tinh noted.

Covering an area of approximately 150 hectares—mainly in villages like Dong But, Trai Mai, and Ngoc Thu—Bo Ly chewy custard apples have become one of the key agricultural products of Dai Dinh Commune. The product has been granted collective trademark protection by the Ministry of Science and Technology and is part of the OCOP program (One Commune One Product), giving it more opportunities to reach wider markets.

Today, Bo Ly custard apples are not only favored by consumers across the country but have also become an integral feature of the Tam Dao tourism area. Thanks to their distinctive flavor, these apples are a popular specialty gift among tourists. This not only generates stable income for local farmers but also contributes to promoting the image of the region.

Ngoc Thang