Ben Tre – the “Coconut land” of the Southwest region – has long been famous for its traditional coconut candy making. This sweet, fatty candy is considered a specialty crystallized from nature and local culture.
The coconut candy making profession appeared around the 1930s in Mo Cay district (now Mo Cay Nam) by Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc; at that time the candy was locally called “Mo Cay candy”.
By 1970, Ms. Nguyen Thi Vinh in Ben Tre town improved the processing method and established Thanh Long coconut candy facility, creating the first Ben Tre coconut candy brand and bringing this specialty far and wide.
Ben Tre coconut candy
From the initial handmade coconut candies, “Ben Tre coconut candy” gradually became the culinary pride of this land and became famous throughout the country.
Traditional coconut candy production process
Processing coconut candy in a large pan: the mixture of coconut milk, malt and granulated sugar is continuously simmered on the stove until the glue thickens. To make delicious candy, the selection of ingredients is very important: the coconut must be old coconut with thick flesh, the malt must be good quality sticky rice, and the sugar should be golden granulated sugar for a sweet taste.
Using traditional manual methods, the coconut candy maker carries out many meticulous steps in sequence. First, the malt is cooked from soaked sticky rice to germinate to get the natural sweetness. At the same time, the dried coconut is shaved and pressed to get the coconut milk. Next, the coconut milk is mixed with malt and sugar (natural flavoring can be added depending on the type of candy), then all are put in a large pan and cooked on the stove. The most important step is simmering the candy – the maker must continuously stir the mixture in the hot pan until the coconut milk thickens into a thick, chewy candy.
The maker is simmering candy
When the candy reaches the right temperature, people pour the candy into a mold or large tray that has been coated with a layer of oil to prevent sticking, wait for the candy to cool down, then use a knife to cut it into small pieces. Finally, each candy is wrapped in a thin layer of rice paper (a special type of rice paper that can be eaten to prevent sticking and absorb moisture) and then wrapped in paper on the outside, completing the coconut candy product.
In the past, all these steps were done by hand, the worker had to wake up early in the morning to cook malt, scrape coconut, simmer the candy and wrap the candy completely by hand.
Nowadays, many establishments have machines to support stirring the candy, cutting the candy… to increase productivity, however, the traditional manual method is still maintained in some places to preserve the characteristic flavor of Ben Tre coconut candy.
In addition to the traditional flavored coconut candy (only has the original coconut flavor), Ben Tre artisans also create many new flavors such as durian, peanuts, pandan leaves, cocoa… to meet the diverse tastes of customers. Each candy thus retains both the rustic soul of the countryside and the unique creativity of the craftsman.
Outstanding coconut candy brands
Ben Tre currently has many coconut candy production facilities, of which some long-standing brands are very popular in the market:
- Ben Tre Coconut Candy – Ms. Hai To: A long-standing brand, starting production in 1978. Ms Hai To coconut candy is famous for its delicate flavor from natural coconut and its commitment to using clean ingredients, ensuring food safety. The image of “Ms. Hai To” is associated with this brand, representing the dedication and traditional craftsmanship of the coconut land.
- Tuyet Phung Coconut Candy: A traditional coconut candy facility with over 40 years of experience. Tuyet Phung Candy stands out with its delicious classic coconut candy flavor, while also diversifying products such as banana candy, pineapple candy to serve both the domestic and export markets.
- Thanh Long Coconut Candy: The first coconut candy brand in Ben Tre founded by Ms. Nguyen Thi Vinh in 1970. Up to now, Thanh Long coconut candy has developed many product lines, achieved quality certifications and is exported to the US and Australian markets.
- Hong Van Coconut Candy: Famous for its diverse coconut candies and has won many awards for quality. This is a family brand founded by a couple in Ben Tre, producing coconut candy with their own secret recipe combining tradition and innovation.
- Yen Hoang Coconut Candy: An innovative brand when launching a type of crispy coconut candy (dried coconut candy) that does not stick to teeth, thanks to the application of modern technology. Yen Hoang Candy still retains the characteristic fatty aroma of coconut, a harmonious combination of new techniques and traditional values.
In addition, there are many other brands that contribute to enriching the “coconut candy map” of Ben Tre, such as Du Thao coconut candy (standing out with unique fruit flavors, reducing sweetness) or Ngoc Mai, etc., each brand has its own characteristics to attract customers.
Coconut candy craft village tourist destination
Tourists visit a coconut candy production facility, observing the process of cutting and wrapping candy by hand. Thanks to the appeal of coconut candy specialties, craft villages in Ben Tre have become attractive destinations on the tourist map. When coming to the land of coconut, visitors often do not miss the opportunity to visit coconut candy production facilities to witness the production process and enjoy hot coconut candy fresh from the oven. Currently, the coconut candy craft village in Ward 7 (Ben Tre City) is the most famous place, attracting a large number of visitors to experience.
In addition, many eco-tours in Ben Tre also combine taking visitors to visit traditional coconut candy kilns in Chau Thanh and Mo Cay districts. For example, visitors can visit the coconut candy facility in Phung islet (Chau Thanh district) or the Tam Trung coconut candy kiln in Tan Thach commune – places ready to welcome visitors to see the process of making handmade candy.
tourist tries to cut sample of coconut candy
In the craft villages, visitors can not only observe the candy makers, cut the candy but also wrap the candy themselves and taste the soft, sweet, fatty coconut candy that has just come out of the oven. These authentic experiences help visitors understand more about the unique labor culture of the coconut land, and at the same time, Ben Tre coconut candy also becomes a meaningful gift that many people buy after the trip.
Source: collected by An
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