1. Overview of Kim Tan purple sugarcane: A specialty tied to the land and people of Thanh Hoa
The land of Kim Tan is where a sugarcane variety, distinctly different from the common ones we usually encounter, has been cultivated and nurtured.
1.1. What is Kim Tan purple sugarcane, and where does it originate from?
Kim Tan purple sugarcane is a specialty sugarcane with a characteristic delicate sweetness. (Source: Collected)
Kim Tan purple sugarcane is a specialty sugarcane variety that has been cultivated for many years in Kim Tan commune and surrounding areas of Thanh Hoa province. This sugarcane variety stands out among people in various regions for its characteristic delicate sweetness, shiny purple skin, and was once chosen as an offering to kings and queens during feudal times. The origin of Kim Tan purple sugarcane is closely linked to the agricultural cultivation tradition in the Kim Tan hilly region, which has unique climate and soil conditions, creating a sugarcane flavor that cannot be found anywhere else.
1.2. Appearance and distinguishing features of Kim Tan sugarcane compared to other varieties
When placed next to many popular sugarcane varieties, Kim Tan purple sugarcane impresses with its unique identifying features. The sugarcane stalks are round and uniform, about the size of a young woman's wrist, shorter but sturdier than those from the plains. The skin color is a shiny deep purple, with shimmering golden honey spots dotted on the surface. The prominent nodes are a distinctive attractive feature.
Inside, the sugarcane flesh is soft yet crisp, juicy, with a deep, delicate sweetness and no harsh aftertaste. This is the key difference between Kim Tan purple sugarcane and white sugarcane or other Kim Tan purple sugarcane varieties grown elsewhere. Even if this sugarcane variety is planted in a different region, the plant remains healthy and grows larger stalks, but it does not achieve the familiar rich, delicate sweetness of the Kim Tan region.
1.3. Why is it called the "Royal Tribute Specialty" of Thanh Hoa?
According to legends and folk documents, Kim Tan purple sugarcane was once chosen to be offered to royal dynasties such as the Nguyen dynasty and King Quang Trung. For many years, the court sent people to harvest the sugarcane from the roots and transport it to the capital Hue for banquets.
The fame of this royal tribute specialty is not only based on its delicious flavor but also because it is a soil-sensitive variety, difficult to grow elsewhere, making Kim Tan purple sugarcane from Thanh Hoa a rare commodity, considered a precious gift for the royal family.
2. Outstanding features of Kim Tan purple sugarcane
The characteristic features of Kim Tan purple sugarcane are evident not only in its appearance but also in its flavor and special growing conditions.
2.1. Characteristic color and flavor unique to Kim Tan
Kim Tan purple sugarcane stands out with its deep purple stalks, smooth shiny skin, and nodes that look like small jewels on the stalk. When peeled, the inner flesh is golden yellow, with a rich honey color that is easily recognizable. The flesh is soft, crisp, and juicy, emitting a gentle aroma when consumed.
Kim Tan purple sugarcane stands out with its dark purple stalk, smooth shiny skin, and sugarcane eyes like small gems. (Source: Collected)
The characteristic sweetness of Kim Tan purple sugarcane is a blend of elegance, without sourness or a cloying taste. It brings a pleasant coolness with a fragrance and sweetness unlike any other sugarcane. Even when this sugarcane variety is planted in nutrient-rich red basalt soil elsewhere, it cannot achieve the exquisite sweetness inherent to Kim Tan, lacking its special depth and richness.
2.2. Cultivation Conditions and Ideal Land
Kim Tan purple sugarcane only grows best when planted in the red soil hills of Kim Tan, areas with good drainage. The soil and climate conditions here are decisive factors for the sugarcane to achieve its natural sugar content, purple hue, tenderness, and distinct aroma. These factors create the difference, making the sugarcane's flavor impossible to replicate when grown elsewhere.
In reality, even when moved to regions like Gia Lai or Tay Nguyen, Kim Tan purple sugarcane still grows healthily, but its sweetness, if present, is not as rich as sugarcane from Kim Tan. The characteristics of this sugarcane variety when grown elsewhere are mainly tall plants with large stalks, but the taste is slightly sour or less sweet than the original. Therefore, Kim Tan purple sugarcane remains notable in Thanh Hoa with the best price and consumption.
3. Economic Value of Kim Tan Purple Sugarcane in 2025
Not only a cultural pride, Kim Tan purple sugarcane also makes a clear contribution to the economic value of the local people.
3.1. Impressive Revenue and Role in Local Agriculture
Kim Tan commune currently cultivates about 250 hectares of Kim Tan purple sugarcane, generating an average income of 200 million to 250 million VND per hectare. This income is much higher than when only growing rice or other crops in the area. Each harvest, farmers can earn profits depending on the specific cultivation area and seasonal conditions.
Many families have a stable income, improving their quality of life thanks to Kim Tan purple sugarcane. (Source: Collected)
Thanks to Kim Tan purple sugarcane, many families have a stable income, improving their quality of life, developing fruit tree cultivation, building new houses, and investing in production. Purple sugarcane has contributed significantly to the new rural development in Kim Tan, becoming a driving force for many households to achieve sustainable economic development.
3.2. Market price of Kim Tan purple sugarcane in 2025
In the market, Kim Tan purple sugarcane sold at the field in the Thanh Hoa region ranges from 8,000 to 9,000 VND per stalk. Wholesale prices at the field, depending on quality, range from 1.15 million VND to 1.35 million VND per ton for standard sugarcane, which is the highest price in the last 5 years.
Processed products such as fresh sugarcane juice sold retail in many provinces and cities reach prices from 10,000 to 12,000 VND. Traditional Kim Tan sugarcane molasses in specialty stores is priced from 15,000-17,000 VND/kg. Compared to the same period, the price of Kim Tan purple sugarcane is always significantly higher than local white sugarcane.
4. Harvesting, processing, and products from Kim Tan sugarcane
From fresh sugarcane in the field to characteristic processed products, Kim Tan purple sugarcane undergoes a process passed down through generations.
4.1. Harvesting and preserving Kim Tan purple sugarcane
The best harvest season for Kim Tan purple sugarcane falls during the dry season, from September to October of the following year, when the dry weather allows sugarcane to accumulate maximum sugar content. At this time, Kim Tan purple sugarcane has the richest sweetness, tender flesh, and a fragrant sweet aroma.
When harvesting, farmers should prioritize selecting plants with shiny skin and uniform color. (Source: Collected)
When harvesting, farmers should prioritize selecting plants with shiny skin and uniform color. To maintain optimal quality, sugarcane is usually stored upright, with the outer sheath intact. This preservation method helps the sugarcane retain its freshness, prevent dehydration, and avoid becoming tough if stored correctly. Kim Tan purple sugarcane also stands out for its tender, easy-to-peel characteristics, making it suitable for all ages.
4.2. Processing and the traditional craft village of Kim Tan sugarcane molasses
The village of Kim Tan is famous for its traditional sugarcane molasses processing, a craft preserved through generations. After peeling, Kim Tan purple sugarcane is pressed to extract the juice, which is then continuously boiled for many hours until the molasses thickens. The boiling process requires patience and the skill of the artisans to retain the golden hue and natural flavor of the molasses.
Besides molasses, many other products from Kim Tan purple sugarcane, such as fresh sugarcane juice, sugarcane candy, and sugarcane cakes, are produced by the locals to meet the diverse needs of tourists. Notably, Kim Tan molasses has achieved provincial OCOP certification in Thanh Hoa province and is widely available at specialty fairs and major distribution stores. By 2025, molasses is expected to continue being a flagship product, marking its presence during holidays and Tet in Thanh Hoa.
5. The reach and cultural value of Kim Tan purple sugarcane
Kim Tan purple sugarcane is not just an agricultural crop but also embodies cultural significance deeply connected to the people of Thanh Hoa.
5.1. Kim Tan sugarcane: a culinary pride and tradition of tribute to the King
Kim Tan purple sugarcane is a quintessential culinary symbol associated with the tradition of tribute to the King in Thanh Hoa. Beyond its economic role, Kim Tan purple sugarcane frequently appears in local festivals and is an indispensable component of offerings during traditional holidays. This sugarcane variety is also linked to legends of King Quang Trung enjoying it and the grand sugarcane festivals held in Pho Cat during the Nguyen Dynasty, attesting to its preciousness and worthiness as a royal tribute.
5.2. The process of preserving, developing, and promoting Kim Tan purple sugarcane
In recent years, local authorities have focused on developing the cultivation areas, combined with plans to expand domestic consumption and explore markets outside the province. Kim Tan purple sugarcane has been recognized as an OCOP product, becoming a characteristic representative of Thanh Hoa's agricultural culture.
Kim Tan purple sugarcane has become a characteristic agricultural cultural representative of Thanh Hoa. (Source: Collected)
Besides, this product is also linked with craft village tours, taking visitors to explore deeply about local life. In addition to enjoying Kim Tan purple sugarcane directly, visitors also have the opportunity to visit and learn about the history and traditional production stages, bringing a particularly meaningful experience.
6. Suggestions for experiencing and buying Kim Tan purple sugarcane
To fully enjoy the delicious taste of Kim Tan purple sugarcane along with cultural experience activities, visitors can choose many different ways.
6.1. Addresses to buy quality Kim Tan sugarcane in Thanh Hoa and other provinces
Kim Tan market and agricultural product agents in the town are the places to buy genuine Kim Tan purple sugarcane with guaranteed quality. Visitors can also find it at large retail points in Thanh Hoa city or at seasonal specialty fairs. In Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and many other provinces, Kim Tan purple sugarcane is available in the distribution systems of Central specialties and OCOP-certified stores.
Kim Tan Market and agricultural product agents in the commune are the main points of sale for authentic Kim Tan purple sugarcane with guaranteed quality. (Source: Collected)
How to identify authentic Kim Tan purple sugarcane is by looking at the sugarcane skin which has a dark purple color, and the stalk is rounder and smaller compared to sugarcane varieties from the plains. After peeling, the flesh inside has a bright yellow color, emits a natural aroma, with a mild, cool sweetness, not harsh. These are easily recognizable distinguishing characteristics of authentic Kim Tan purple sugarcane.
6.2. Suggest combining tourism experiences, exploring Kim Tan sugarcane molasses
A reasonable exploration journey can start in Kim Tan commune, where visitors can admire the lush green sugarcane fields stretching out, and visit the traditional sugarcane molasses processing village. You can directly try pressing sugarcane juice, learn from the cultivation to production stages, and enjoy dishes made from Kim Tan purple sugarcane.
The trip can be combined with other famous attractions in Thanh Hoa and surrounding areas. Visitors can visit Sun World Sam Son or other attractive eco-tourism spots in the province to make the trip more enriching and leave many memorable experiences.
Kim Tan purple sugarcane is a unique product of Thanh Hoa with a naturally sweet and refreshing flavor, sustainable economic value, and a rich tradition of being offered to kings. The harmony between natural conditions and human effort has developed the Kim Tan purple sugarcane brand, becoming a simple countryside gift, symbolizing traditional pride, and is very suitable to bring back as a souvenir when visiting Thanh Hoa.
