Đường Thốt Nốt, or palm sugar, is a sweet and unique sugar in the West of Vietnam. This is sugar made from the nectar of palm tree flowers and fruits. It is a specialty not to be missed when you have the opportunity to visit this semi-mountainous land. Due to the specific soil and climate, currently, only Tinh Bien and Tri Ton districts are two localities that can develop the palm sugar-making profession.
The name ‘Thốt Nốt’ originates from the Khmer word “th’not”. For Khmer people, palmyra is a precious tree given by heaven. It can be said that the palm tree is as closely linked to the lives of the Khmer people as the coconut tree is to the Kinh people in the lowlands. The reason for such a comparison is that jaggery is also an extremely important crop used by Khmer people for many things. The tree trunks are used to make house pillars, bridge beams, tables, chairs, and cabinets, while the leaves are used to make roofs, make hats, and create sophisticated handicrafts. Palm tree roots and flower stems, after drying, are also used as medicine to treat jaundice, laxatives…
History
Đường Thốt Nốt has been produced in Vietnam for centuries. The sugar is thought to have originated in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, where the sugar palm tree is native. Đường Thốt Nốt was once a luxury item in Vietnam, but it is now more widely available and is a popular ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine.
Specialties
Palm sugar has a mild aroma, sweet, greasy taste, and is wrapped in palm leaves to look like Banh Tet sticks. Although palm sugar is not as sweet as common sugars, it is more fragrant, often used to cook cool sweet soup dishes, and also has the effect of cooling and treating sore throats. Local people sometimes take palm sugar to eat with cold rice or use it as a substitute for cakes at tea parties.
Đường Thốt Nốt can be used in a variety of dishes, including desserts, drinks, and savory dishes. It is a popular ingredient in Vietnamese desserts, such as chè (sweet soup) and bánh bò (steamed cake). It is also used to sweeten Vietnamese drinks, such as cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk) and trà sữa (bubble tea).
Đường Thốt Nốt can also be used to sweeten savory dishes, such as nước mắm (fish sauce) and thịt kho tộ (braised pork belly).
Main ingredients
Sugar is made from the juice of male palmyra flowers and each tree only has about 2-3 flowers that produce good juice, the rest will wait until the fruit is harvested.
Where to find Đường Thốt Nốt
Đường Thốt Nốt is a popular ingredient in Vietnam and can be found at many markets and grocery stores. It is also available for purchase online.
Đường Thốt Nốt is a delicious and unique sugar that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a great way to add sweetness and flavor to your food. If you are ever in Vietnam, be sure to try Đường Thốt Nốt. You won’t be disappointed!
If you want to try this tasty dish, you can visit Vietnam in any season and don’t forget to apply for a Visa. With the easy and fast Visa procedures, you can travel to Vietnam at any time!
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