The region of the Seven Mountains, located in the administrative areas of Tri Ton and Tinh Bien districts in An Giang province, is considered the land of the palm leaf conical hat. For generations, the borassus flabellifer (Thot Not) has been closely associated with the material and spiritual life of the people of the Seven Mountains, especially the Khmer ethnic community.
Borassus flabellifer (Thot Not) - Symbol Associated with the People of the Mekong Delta.
The borassus flabellifer (Thot Not) hat comes from the betel nut family and is commonly found in countries in South and Southeast Asia such as India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and New Guinea. The leaf has a tall, straight trunk with short thorns on both sides of the leaves, which fan out like palm leaves. The hat produces large, round, brown or chestnut-colored fruit clusters. When opened, these fruit clusters reveal small, white, fibrous segments with a distinct and pleasant fragrance. They are not only enjoyed as a refreshing treat but are also a favored snack.
The cultivation of the the borassus flabellifer is particularly prominent and renowned in An Giang province, Vietnam. Chau Doc, located in An Giang, is well-known for its production of palm leaf conical sugar. This region has become a symbol for promoting the borassus flabellifer - a plant deeply intertwined with the lives of the people in the Mekong Delta.
Specialty Products from the Thot Not Palm in the Bay Mountains Region, An Giang Province.
Currently, the extraction and processing of sugar palm sugar have evolved beyond the traditional practices of the Khmer ethnic community. It is now considered a key and distinctive product of the Bay Nui (Seven Mountains) region in An Giang. The cultivation of sugar palm is concentrated in two districts, Tinh Bien and Tri Ton, with over 35,000 trees.
Due to its natural growth capabilities, the An Giang province recognizes the potential to develop an organic sugar palm region, gradually building the organic sugar palm brand of An Giang. This initiative aims to contribute to the improvement of the local standard of living and increase income for farmers.
In recent years, the specialty of sugar palm sugar has extended beyond the borders, reaching neighboring countries through consignment to businesses or through Vietnamese expatriates returning to their homeland during traditional ethnic festivals and holidays. Additionally, with over 5 million visitors coming to An Giang for tourism and annual pilgrimage, there is a significant demand for experiencing and gifting the local specialty of sugar palm sugar.
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