Economic value of Shan Tuyet tea in Cao Bo

BHG - Under the ancient shade of Shan Tuyet tea trees on the Tay Con Linh Mountain range, Dao ethnic minority people of Cao Bo Commune (Vi Xuyen District) are steadily building sustainable livelihoods, preserving their cultural heritage, and tapping into tourism potential. Their aspiration is to make the Shan Tuyet tea plant the “golden key” to local economic development.

Shan Tuyet tea trees in Cao Bo are between 100 and 300 years old.

Cao Bo Commune, located on the western slopes of Tay Con Linh, boasts a cool climate and ideal soil conditions for Shan Tuyet tea — a rare and precious variety. The commune has over 1,000 hectares of Shan Tuyet tea plantations, 757 of which are currently in harvest. Many of the ancient tea trees, found mostly in the villages of Lung Tao, Tham Ve, Tat Khao, Thac Hung, Thac Tang, and Khuoi Luong, are between 100 and 400 years old. Shan Tuyet tea here features silvery-white buds; once roasted, the leaves appear frosted like snow, producing a golden brew with a gentle aroma, a mild bitterness, and a lingering sweetness. In 2011, Cao Bo's tea products were certified as organic, opening export opportunities. As of 2015, more than 220 ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees were recognised as Heritage Trees of Vietnam.

Currently, the local residents are in the midst of the spring tea harvest. Whereas tea was previously processed manually, the sector in Cao Bo has undergone a significant transformation thanks to authority support and scientific-technological programmes. The commune now has over 20 tea processing facilities, including one company and three cooperatives that have invested in advanced processing technology. This has improved product quality to meet VietGAP standards and enabled exports to the US, China, Belgium, Russia, and Turkey. Products such as Yellow Tea, Green Tea, and Red Tea have achieved a provincial 3-star OCOP rating. Cao Bo produces around 500 tonnes of tea annually, generating over 10 billion VND in revenue, significantly contributing to poverty reduction and improving local livelihoods.

Along with agricultural development, the commune is also promoting experience-based tourism centred around Shan Tuyet tea. Visitors, especially international tourists, come not only to sightsee but also to trek through the tea hills, harvest and roast tea, and enjoy tastings in Dao-style homestay settings. According to Dang Van Chung, Chairman of the Cao Bo Communal People’s Committee, the locality hosts an annual “Heritage Tea Land” festival to elevate the value of Shan Tuyet tea and promote sustainable tourism development.

BIEN LUAN