Dai Hoang Royal Banana - A "Tribute to the King" Specialty of Ha Nam

When mentioning Hà Nam, people immediately think of vast rice fields, impressive historical sites, and especially the delicious specialty foods that carry the essence of the homeland. Among these, Đại Hoàng banana – the "green gem" of Hà Nam – is always the top choice for visitors wanting to taste and buy as gifts. Let's explore this specialty together with Tiến Lộc Palace Hotel!

1. Origin and Unique Name

The Đại Hoàng banana, a famous fruit, is cultivated in Đại Hoàng village, Hòa Hậu commune, Lý Nhân district, Hà Nam province. Also known as the "royal banana," this fruit has a special story tied to local history. According to the legend of Đại Hoàng villagers, once King Trần and his entourage traveled from the capital Thăng Long to Thiên Trường Palace, they stopped in Lý Nhân and tasted the local banana. Impressed by its delicious taste, the king ordered the villagers to cultivate and develop this banana variety.

Traditionally, Đại Hoàng bananas symbolize abundance and completeness and are often featured in festive occasions, funerals, weddings, and other ceremonies as offerings to ancestors. In 2009, the National Office of Intellectual Property granted a geographical indication certificate for Đại Hoàng bananas, affirming their value and reputation. Since then, Đại Hoàng bananas have become widely known and highly valued in the Vietnamese market.

2. Outstanding Characteristics

Đại Hoàng bananas possess unique characteristics that set them apart from ordinary bananas:

Tree: Tall, slender, fragile, requiring support to prevent breaking.
Fruit: Three main types: buffalo banana, jackfruit banana, and white banana, each with distinct flavors and sizes.
Skin: Thin, smooth, bright yellow when ripe.
Flesh: Soft, aromatic, sweet, not bitter, rich in nutrients.

3. Irresistible Flavor

Đại Hoàng bananas captivate visitors with their distinctive delicious taste. When you savor them, you'll experience a refreshing sweetness combined with the creamy texture of the banana flesh, leaving a memorable aftertaste. These bananas can be enjoyed directly or used in various delightful dishes such as banana smoothies, dried bananas, and grilled bananas.

Buffalo Banana: Large fruit, pale yellow skin and flesh when ripe, lacks distinctive aroma.
Jackfruit Banana: Small, slender fruit, thin dark yellow skin, slightly pinkish-yellow flesh, and a pleasant aroma.
White Banana: Large, round fruit with bright yellow skin when ripe, aromatic yellow flesh.

Each type of Đại Hoàng banana offers different flavors and experiences, but all are precious specialties of this region.

4. Rich Nutritional Value

Đại Hoàng bananas are not only delicious but also a rich source of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are beneficial for digestion, cardiovascular health, immune system, and have detoxifying and weight-loss properties.

Rich in potassium, amino acids, six vitamins, and eleven essential minerals, consuming Đại Hoàng bananas regularly not only provides energy but also brings numerous health benefits. Notably, these bananas can retain their yellow color and fragrance for up to a week, making them particularly sought after during the year-end period when demand peaks.

5. Meticulous Cultivation and Care

To produce delicious and high-quality Đại Hoàng bananas, local farmers apply meticulous cultivation and care techniques. According to a scientific report on banana cultivation techniques by the Department of Science and Technology of Hà Nam province, Đại Hoàng bananas thrive in alluvial soils along rivers and streams, which are well-drained, moist, and rich in nitrogen and potassium. The monsoon climate also provides favorable conditions for banana growth.

Đại Hoàng bananas grow best at temperatures between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius. They require a lot of water, especially during the stages of bud formation, flowering, and fruiting. Therefore, farmers must maintain moisture, prevent drought in the dry season, and prevent waterlogging during the rainy season. With tall, brittle stems that are prone to breaking, support is needed when the bananas form clusters. Each banana cluster should only have three shoots, including one mother plant and two suckers for the next generation.

Bananas do not favor fresh manure and should only be fertilized with nitrogen in the early stages. Fertilizing during flowering and fruiting stages can cause the bananas to crack and lose their natural color and quality. To ensure the bananas ripen to standard, careful attention to cultivation techniques, care methods, and the ripening process is essential. Farmers often use earth-walled ripening rooms, using ash and rice husks to ripen the bananas. In summer, it takes only 7 hours for the bananas to ripen, but in winter, it can take a whole day.

Currently, Đại Hoàng bananas come with labels, packaging, and food safety certification, and are widely distributed nationwide. Thanks to banana farming, the lives of Đại Hoàng villagers have become more prosperous and well-off.

If you have the opportunity to visit Hà Nam, don't miss the chance to taste this delicious fruit. Moreover, choose Tiến Lộc Palace Hotel as your place to stay. We are committed to providing you with the most comfortable, relaxing, and safe moments of rest. Tiến Lộc Palace is honored to accompany you on your journey to explore Hà Nam.