A farmer in Hai Duong Province, northern Vietnam earns a substantial income by cultivating jicama weighing up to tens of kilograms each, which he sells to customers for Lunar New Year (Tet) celebrations.

As Tet draws near, Tran Van Liem’s family, residing in Thanh Ha District, Hai Duong Province, finds themselves busier than ever as customers from all over the northern region flock to purchase giant jicama, a unique Tet ornamental plant in recent years.

Liem, 67, attributed this year’s larger and more beautiful jicamas, with less damage, to the particularly favorable weather as well as his family’s accumulated experience and meticulous care.

The family managed to grow 200 giant jicamas, with the heaviest weighing approximately 22 kilograms. 

Prices range from VND500,000 (US$20) to VND2 million ($81) apiece, higher than last year’s rates.

Cultivated by Liem's family for nearly a decade, these giant jicamas have their origins in a gift from a friend.

The family has dedicated meticulous care to their growth, emphasizing soil improvement, precise watering, and thoughtful fertilization.

Typically planted in the sixth lunar month and harvested just in time for the Lunar New Year celebration, these jicamas are highly sought after by customers who believe they can bring fortune, luck, joy, and sweetness into their homes for the new year.

Apart from their distinctive appearance, the giant jicamas are highly valued for their delicious, sweet, cool, and more pronounced flavor compared to regular jicamas.

While normal jicamas are commonly consumed raw as snacks in northern Vietnam or cooked as vegetables nationwide, the exceptional taste of giant jicamas makes them a sought-after and popular choice for Tet celebrations.

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