vietnam Cocoa (Fresh Cocoa Pods Ovaltine)

Vietnam Cocoa Fresh cocoa pods at Vinh Long Market

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia. Today, I will take you to experience something new at a morning market in southern Vietnam, which is Vinh Long Market, one of the key connection points of the Mekong Delta that I have visited many times.Vinh Long Bus StationLocated not far from this market, making it very convenient for travelers like me.

This time, I walked through the morning market here and noticed fresh "cocoa pods" displayed on a vendor's stall. I had to pick one to try because many people are familiar with cocoa in powdered form, Ovaltine, or chocolate that we usually consume, but fresh cocoa pods like this are rarely seen in our country.

Fresh cocoa from tree to plate, tasting a unique flavor.

The cocoa pod I got had a strange shape and color, unlike any fruit I have eaten before. The fresh taste of the cocoa pod was not as intense as the chocolate we are used to. The aroma was mild, with a slightly bitter and sweet flavor, along with a soft and juicy texture. I tried it fresh and wondered if Vietnamese people really eat it this way because normally, cocoa powder we use for drinks or baking undergoes many processes including fermenting the cocoa beans, drying, roasting, and grinding into powder, which results in a richer and smoother flavor.

For those who want to learn more about the process of how cocoa becomes the product we consume today, I recommend visiting the morning market at Vinh Long. Here, you can see and taste fresh cocoa pods and also witness the lifestyle of locals who use natural ingredients to make simple food and drinks by themselves.

Vinh Long Market, a place full of colors and stories.

Vinh Long Market is not just an ordinary fresh market but a cultural and local lifestyle hub that I really like. When I come here, I get to talk with vendors and try various local dishes such as grilled river prawns, steamed fish, and exotic fruits that are hard to find elsewhere.

Especially if you come in the morning, you will see the bustling market filled with food carts and people buying fresh produce from local farms. There is also a section selling spices and ingredients used in authentic Vietnamese cooking.

If you are interested in travel or want to learn about the lifestyle of northern Vietnamese people, try readingThe Story of Lang Son Provincewhich I have written before. That region has diverse culture and nature that are equally fascinating.

Travel and Tips from mr.hotsia

Traveling to Vinh Long is very convenient. I traveled by bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Vinh Long Bus Station, then walked less than 10 minutes to reach the morning market. For those interested in trying fresh cocoa or experiencing local market life like this, I recommend waking up early and exploring the market with an open heart because you will see things you have never encountered before.

Regarding accommodation in Vinh Long, if you want to stay comfortably near the market, I suggest looking for more information on websites I have reviewed. If you want to continue to other cities in southern Vietnam, you can easily use bus services from this station.

Summary of the Fresh Cocoa Experience with mr.hotsia

I, mr.hotsia, must say that trying fresh cocoa pods at Vinh Long Market was a unique experience I had never encountered before in my travel life. It made me realize that every food we are familiar with has interesting stories and production methods behind it. Most importantly, I got close to the locals and understood the simple yet charming lifestyle of Vietnam better.

If you want to break away from the usual travel routine, try visiting the morning market in Vinh Long and don't forget to taste fresh cocoa pods at least once. I guarantee you will bring back new stories.