1. Origin and Development Process

The strawberry plant is not native to Vietnam. It was introduced to the country around the early 20th century, mainly by the French. Initially, strawberries were experimentally grown in some cool climate regions such as Da Lat (Lam Dong). Thanks to favorable natural conditions, especially the mild climate and fertile soil, strawberries quickly adapted and became a high-value economic crop in Vietnam.

In recent years, research and development of new, high-yield strawberry varieties suitable for local climate conditions have been emphasized. Besides imported varieties, many local Vietnamese strawberry varieties have gradually affirmed their quality and are favored by consumers.

2. Famous Strawberry Growing Regions

Vietnam has several well-known strawberry growing regions, with Da Lat maintaining its leading position.

• Da Lat (Lam Dong): With its year-round cool climate, Da Lat is known as the “strawberry capital” of Vietnam. Da Lat strawberries are famous for their distinctive delicious flavor, large fruit size, beautiful color, and moderate sweetness. Popular strawberry varieties in Da Lat include French varieties (Charlotte, Mara des Bois), American varieties (Chandler), and Japanese varieties (Hokkaido).
• Moc Chau (Son La): Over the past decade, Moc Chau has emerged as a promising strawberry growing region in the North. The subtropical highland climate in Moc Chau is very suitable for the development of strawberry plants. Moc Chau strawberries are increasingly improving in quality, especially on farms applying organic standards.
• Hanoi: Some suburban areas of Hanoi, such as Tay Ho, have also developed strawberry growing models combined with agricultural tourism, attracting visitors to visit and experience strawberry picking.
• Can Tho: Famous for the Ha Chau strawberry variety, a local specialty with a sweet and slightly tart flavor and a unique fruit texture.

In addition, strawberries are also grown in some other provinces such as Sapa (Lao Cai), but the area and yield are not as large as the aforementioned regions.

3. Excellent Nutritional Value

Strawberries are not only a delicious fruit but also offer many health benefits due to their high nutritional value.

• Rich in Vitamin C: Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system, fight antioxidants, and support collagen production for healthy skin.
• High in Antioxidants: Compounds such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and quercetin in strawberries help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
• Good Source of Fiber: The fiber in strawberries supports a healthy digestive system, prevents constipation, and helps maintain a feeling of fullness, which is beneficial for weight management.
• Provides Important Minerals: Strawberries contain potassium, folate, and manganese, essential minerals for heart function, cell development, and energy metabolism.
• Low in Calories: With their low calorie content, strawberries are an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a balanced physique.

4. Export Market and Development Potential

Currently, Vietnam’s strawberry export market is still quite modest. The majority of strawberry production is consumed domestically. However, with increasingly improved quality and variety diversification, Vietnamese strawberries are gradually making progress in the international market.

Potential markets for Vietnamese strawberries include countries in Southeast Asia and some more demanding markets such as Japan and South Korea, where high-quality agricultural products are highly valued.

To promote exports, the Vietnamese strawberry growing industry needs to focus on:

• Improving quality and ensuring food safety: Applying VietGAP, GlobalGAP standards and moving towards organic production to meet the strict requirements of the international market.
• Building a brand: Developing a Vietnamese strawberry brand associated with famous growing regions and distinctive quality.
• Investing in post-harvest technology: Extending the shelf life and ensuring the quality of strawberries during transportation.
• Researching and developing new strawberry varieties: Creating high-yield, disease-resistant varieties that suit the tastes of the export market.

With the advantages of natural conditions and the efforts of farmers, Vietnamese strawberries promise to increasingly affirm their position in the domestic and international markets, bringing high economic value and contributing to the richness of Vietnam’s agricultural landscape.

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