Thanh Tra is a specialty grapefruit variety of Hue city, has a small, elongated shape like a pear and has a unique flavor. Each fruit weighs about 0.7 – 1 kg, golden skin, thin pulp, clear yellow grapefruit pulp, succulent and very fragrant.

This fruit is closely related to grapefruit but is smaller, has a sweet taste, thin skin and light aroma. Thanh Tra is grown mainly in the Thuy Bieu area along the Huong River, now in Thuy Xuan ward (Hue City), where the special climate and soil create a flavor that cannot be found anywhere else. In addition, the tree is also grown in alluvial areas along the Bo River, O Lau River or Truoi River.

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Thanh Tra is a small grapefruit variety that is a specialty of the city. Hue. Illustration photo: Baodantoc

According to local people, the Thanh Tra variety was brought from the North Central region and planted hundreds of years ago, but only when it takes root in the land of the Perfume River does the fruit have a sweet taste, crispy flesh and characteristic aroma. Ripe fruits have smooth yellow skin, transparent pulp, and a sweet taste with a slight sour taste. Hue people still say that “when you eat a piece of Thanh Tra, you will taste the taste of the Perfume River in it”.

According to historical documents, during the Nguyen Dynasty, every year, localities would carefully select foods and specialties to present to the king’s palace. Thanh Tra is a famous specialty of Thua Thien government, every year it is chosen to present to the king according to this custom.

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Recreating the Thanh Tra Palace Festival scene at Hue Royal Palace. Illustration photo: Bao Minh

Thuy Bieu is considered the most famous Thanh Tra growing area, besides the Huong Tra, Phong Dien and Loc An areas. Every year in the ripening season, the scent of Thanh Tra spreads throughout the garden, bringing with it the typical coolness of Hue.

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Thanh Tra grapefruit cloves are transparent, with a sweet taste mixed with a slight sourness. Illustration photo: Suckhoedoisong

Hue Thanh Tra ripens from July to September every year. When in season, the fruit has a yellow-green color, plump segments, sweet taste and cool aroma. Enjoying Thanh Tra at the right ripeness is to fully feel the freshness and purity of Hue’s heaven and earth.

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The golden green tea fruits grow in Thuy Bieu garden, giving off a fragrant scent every season. Illustration photo: Suckhoedoisong

Not only is it a specialty gift of Hue, Thanh Tra also brings many health benefits thanks to containing many natural nutrients that are good for the body.

According to Oriental Medicine, every part of the Thanh Tra tree has medicinal value. The fruit’s flesh has a cool taste, helps treat coughs and relieves hangovers effectively. The bark contains many essential oils, has a spicy and warm taste, and is often used to clear phlegm, treat colds, aid digestion and relieve pain. Thanh Tra leaves are also used to relieve swelling, inflammation and regulate blood.

Thanh Tra contains natural insulin content to help stabilize blood sugar, which is very beneficial for people with diabetes or high blood pressure.

Thanks to its high water and fiber content, Thanh Tra helps create a feeling of fullness for a long time, limits snacking and starch absorption, thereby supporting the weight loss process. In addition, the abundant vitamin C in this fruit also helps increase resistance and make skin brighter, smoother, and healthier.

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Thanh Tra also brings many health benefits. Illustration photo: Tienphong

Hue Thanh Tra is usually sold by weight, ranging from 25,000 – 35,000 VND/kg, depending on the year and growing region. When the season is good, the price can be only 15,000 – 25,000 VND/kg. If you buy directly at the garden, the price is often cheaper than buying at the market or on the roadside. Many tourists who come to Hue during the harvest season choose Thanh Tra as a gift to bring home.

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Hue Thanh Tra fruits are sold at large markets such as Dong Ba or An Cuu. Illustration photo: Tienphong

Thanh Tra is sold in many places, but to choose delicious fruit, you should look to famous gardens like Thuy Bieu – the growing area for the most delicious quality thanks to the alluvium of the Huong River. Avoid buying at the beginning of the season because the shrimp are still small and have little water at this time. When picked, do not eat immediately but leave for 2-3 days for the fruit to ripen evenly, the flavor will be sweeter and more fragrant.

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Hue people sell green tea right in the garden in the golden sunshine of early autumn. Illustration photo: Suckhoedoisong

Thanh Tra mixed with dried squid is a unique snack of Hue people. Cool sweet Thanh Tra shrimp is mixed with shredded dried squid and spices, creating a rich sweet and sour flavor that is both chewy and crunchy and succulent. This dish is often enjoyed as a snack or served with daily meals, bringing a strange and attractive feeling.

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Thanh tea mixed with sweet and sour dried squid. Illustrative photo: KEN Food clean seafood

Thanh Tra steamed chicken is a familiar dish of Hue people with a simple method but very unique flavor. The chicken is cleaned, cut into bite-sized pieces, marinated with spices, then placed in a Thanh Tra shell and steamed for about 20 minutes. When cooked, the chicken is soft and sweet, mixed with the gentle aroma of Thanh Tra, creating a delicate and refreshing dish.

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Thanh Tra Hue steamed chicken dish, a perfect combination of the sweetness of the chicken and the cool scent of the fruit. Illustration photo: Tico Travel

Thanh Tra jam is a favorite snack of many people, often served with hot tea. Thanh Tra bark is shredded, boiled to reduce bitterness, then soaked in sugar and dried slugs. The finished product has a golden color, a mild sweet taste mixed with a slight astringency, and is both flexible and fragrant. Enjoying Thanh Tra jam with a warm cup of tea in the chilly Hue weather is an enjoyable experience.

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Golden Thanh Tra jam, a rustic snack often served with hot tea in cold weather. Illustration photo: Khamphahue

Thanh Tra grapefruit sweet soup is a famous cool dessert. Grapefruit pulp is combined with green beans and coconut milk, creating a greasy, cool flavor. To prevent the tea from being bitter, when peeling, you need to clean the green pulp, then soak it in diluted salt water for a few hours and squeeze out the excess water. This dessert is not only delicious but also has the typical flavor of Hue.

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Sweet and cool grapefruit sweet tea on summer days. Illustration photo: Vinpearl

Hue Thanh Tra Festival is held every two years in Nguyet Bieu and Luong Quan villages. This is an opportunity for people to introduce Thanh Tra grapefruit specialties and share growing experiences. When participating in the festival, visitors can visit the fruit-laden citronella gardens, learn about the tree care process and discover the typical agricultural culture of the ancient capital.

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Tourists visit Hue Thanh Tra Festival, immersing themselves in the joyful atmosphere and rich local identity. Illustration photo: Huengaynay

Hue Thanh Tra is not only a delicious fruit but also contains the essence of heaven and earth and the soul of the people of Hue. If you have the opportunity to bring your suitcase to Hue during the ripening season of Thanh Tra, don’t forget to enjoy and bring back a few fruits in your suitcase as gifts, bringing with you the sweet aftertaste of the Perfume River.