Traditional Ginger Jam Making Profession of Mỹ Chánh Village - Quảng Trị
Every time the northeast monsoon touches Central Vietnam, it is also the time when Mỹ Chánh village begins its ginger season. No need for a signal, just stepping into the village, you can already smell the pungent aroma of fresh ginger being sliced thin, stirred in a gently simmering pan, mingling with the sweetness of time.
Traditional Ginger Jam Making Profession of Mỹ Chánh Village - Quảng Trị
In Mỹ Chánh, making ginger jam is not just a profession but a ritual to welcome Tet, a way for the locals to express their love for their homeland through each delicate yet fragrant slice of ginger. The traditional ginger jam making profession here not only preserves the flavors of Tet from the past but also carries memories, connects generations, and showcases the skill and meticulousness of hands that have been tied to the land, fire, and the memories of Tet in their hometown.
1. Mỹ Chánh Village - The Cradle of Traditional Ginger Jam Making
Located in the Hải Lăng region, where hills and mountains occupy more than half of the area, Mỹ Chánh village has long been famous for its ginger jam making profession. No one remembers exactly when this profession began, but according to the elders, ginger jam has been associated with the locals for as long as anyone can remember. Initially, ginger jam was only made to serve the village and the district, but now, the brand “Mỹ Chánh Ginger Jam” has spread far and wide, present in provinces and cities from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, Nghe An, and even exported abroad.
Photo: The traditional craft village preserves the old flavors
Mỹ Chánh ginger jam is not just a dish but also a symbol of hospitality, deeply imbued with the essence of Vietnamese culture. During the last days of the year, when passing through the roads of Mỹ Chánh village, you will be captivated by the fragrant aroma of ginger mingling with sugar and kitchen smoke. That is the flavor of Tet, of reunion, and of the traditional values preserved over time.
Photo: The ginger jam making profession has been associated with the locals for a long time
2. The Process of Making Ginger Jam
To create those spicy, aromatic slices of ginger jam, the people of Mỹ Chánh must go through a meticulous manual processing procedure. Each step requires skill, patience, and love for the craft.2.1 Choosing Ingredients
The ginger selected must be mature ginger, usually sourced from the Central Highlands due to its high essential oil content, providing a distinctive spiciness. The ginger must be firm, not bruised, ensuring the best quality.
2.2 Preparing Ginger
The ginger is washed clean, peeled, and then sliced thinly and evenly. This step is usually done by the men in the village, as it requires strength and meticulousness. To maintain the beautiful color and not lose the ginger's flavor, the locals use vinegar or lemon during the preparation process, absolutely avoiding bleaching agents or chemicals.
Photo: Ginger is washed clean and sliced thin
2.3 Cooking Jam
After preparation, the ginger will be boiled to reduce the sharp spiciness, then soaked in sugar for several hours. Next is the step of simmering the jam over glowing charcoal. The flame must be adjusted just right, and the cook must stir evenly so that the sugar absorbs evenly, avoiding being “overcooked” or burnt. The fragrant aroma of ginger mingling with the sweetness of sugar spreads throughout the kitchen, signaling that spring is approaching.
2.4 Packaging
After simmering, the ginger jam is dried, coated with a layer of fine white sugar on the outside, creating an eye-catching appearance. The jam is carefully packaged, ready to be delivered to consumers. Since 2012, Mỹ Chánh ginger jam has been certified by the Intellectual Property Office, ensuring quality and reputation.
Photo: Ginger jam is cooled before packaging
3. Cultural Significance and Economic Value
For the people of Quảng Trị, Tet without ginger jam and a cup of green tea is not complete. Ginger jam is not only a snack but also a meaningful gift, expressing warmth and kinship. As shared by Ms. Lê Thị Mỹ Ni, a resident of Mỹ Chánh village: “Tet without a slice of ginger jam is not Tet anymore.”
Mỹ Chánh ginger jam also carries profound cultural value, serving as a bridge between the past and the present. The craft of making jam has been passed down from generation to generation, like a precious heritage that the locals are always proud to preserve.
The ginger jam making profession brings significant income to the people of Mỹ Chánh, especially during Tet. According to statistics, each Tet season, Mỹ Chánh village produces 60-100 tons of ginger jam, with revenue in the billions of VND. Some large establishments like Tuấn Tâm or Dũng Ni produce dozens of tons of jam each season, creating seasonal jobs for hundreds of local workers with incomes ranging from 150,000 to 400,000 VND per day. Although bustling only for about 20-25 days at the beginning of December, the jam-making profession helps families have a more prosperous Tet. Some households even achieve profits of tens of millions of VND after deducting costs.
Photo: The ginger jam making profession provides income for the locals every Tet
A box of Mỹ Chánh ginger jam is not only a Tet gift but also a story about the meticulousness, patience, and love for the craft of the people of Quảng Trị. When savoring a slice of ginger jam with a hot cup of tea, you will feel the warm spicy taste, the gentle sweetness, and the deep homeland affection encapsulated in each piece of jam. If you have the chance to visit Quảng Trị, don't forget to stop by Mỹ Chánh village to experience the Tet flavors year-round and bring back boxes of ginger jam as gifts for loved ones. This is not just a material gift but also a spiritual gift, conveying the traditional cultural values of the resilient Central Vietnam land.