Such lyrics tell us that these places were abundant and rich in soil in the past.
Phong Dien is well known for its floating market and orchards full of fruit like Ha Chau baccaureas, oranges, tangerines, star apples, mangosteens, apples, guavas etc.

In addition, it is famous for cocoa trees which produce a sweet smelling and nutritious drink.

If you have an opportunity to visit Can Tho City, you should not miss a tour to the cocoa garden of Mr. Muoi Cuong.

His garden is about 1 hectare with more than 2,000 cocoa trees of 15 varieties. That higher trees like mombins, mangoes, mangosteens give shades to the cocoa below to develop is the significant feature of his garden.

When coming here, tourists not only enjoy the peaceful country life, cool wind, delicious fruits but also feel the rusticity and simplicity of country people.

To have delicious powdered cocoa for our daily drink, cocoa planters must follow many stages. Ripe cocoa from the trees are picked and the cocoa pulps which are white and beautiful are taken.

After that those cocoa pulps will be covered up from 6 – 7 days until their thin outer crusts are separated.  Then dry cocoa seeds will be put into the earthen pot and roasted over the wood fire at high temperatures until its typical aroma rises up and spread out.

At this time, done-seeds are spread out on rush mats to cool down. Then, the thin silky layers will be peeled off.

It takes much effort and patience to separate the thin silky layers. Many ways can be used to separate the layers: the power of the thumbs can be used; however, this method can hurt the tops of fingers and not much cocoa silky layers can be peeled.   

Millstones (for milling rice flour) may be employed to break the cocoa seeds into two or three pieces, and then put into bamboo baskets. When there are strong winds, rush mats should be spread out and cocoa seeds be winnowed.  

After discarding the small and light silky layers, some thick ones till remained, which will be removed later by spathes or bamboo large and flat baskets (nowadays, electricity fans are used instead). This stage requires much skillfulness, sophistication and flexibility.    

After  peeling the cocoa beans with much work, their remaining is put in a millstone to be ground to be powdered cocoa as a delicious drink. Boiling water, sugar or milk are added into the powdered cocoa to make a pleasant drink as required.

In addition, cocoa candies, cocoa butters, cocoa wine can be made from cocoa beans. A recent research of California University, San Francisco (America) shows that if you drink a glass of cocoa every morning, it will help you decrease 15% the risk of cancer (especially intestine and stomach cancer). You will be more active in work, reduce stress, have a stable level of blood sugar and a healthy heart. It is cocoa, a delicious and nutritious food, that has been waiting for you to enjoy. 

Coming here, tourists may not only enjoy the fresh atmosphere of coca garden but also observe the process of how to make cocoa powder, taste it and can buy cocoa products as gifts for relatives, friends.

Address:

Homestay Mr. Lam The Cuong (Muoi Cuong): 275- My Ai Hamlet – My Khanh Commune – Phong Dien District – Can Tho City.

Phone: 0710.3.942.573 - 0939.427.589

Tourists may book a packaged tour of Mekong Delta Exploration and Event co., Ltd- specializing in western tour including this destination.