Mint honey: A unique product of Dong Van Karst Plateau

BHG - Mint honey is a unique agricultural product from the Dong Van Karst Plateau in Ha Giang Province. It is distinguished by its refreshing sweetness, golden colour, and high nutritional value. This honey is produced from wild mint flowers that grow at altitudes of 1,000 to 1,600 meters. The small bees create this precious honey, which serves not only as a quality food source but also as a natural remedy to enhance health.

Wild mint flowers on the karst plateau.

In 2013, mint honey from Ha Giang was awarded the ‘Meo Vac’ Geographical Indication certificate, making it the first product in the province to receive such recognition. Currently, the Dong Van Plateau has about 44,000 bee colonies, with annual production exceeding 240 tonnes, generating nearly 80 billion VND in value.

However, the mint honey industry faces challenges, such as reliance on natural conditions, climate change, counterfeit products, and limited awareness among locals about beekeeping techniques.

To enhance product value, Ha Giang Province has implemented comprehensive solutions. The province works to establish stable raw material zones and protect the mint flower sources by encouraging farmers to avoid using pesticides. The province also focuses on preserving local bee species and prohibits the importation of foreign bees. Additionally, quality control measures for honey have been strengthened to prevent counterfeit products from damaging brand reputation.

Beekeeping facilities are instructed to apply production processes according to VietGAP and HACCP standards to ensure consistent quality. The province organises trade promotion activities and participates in fairs and conferences to connect supply and demand, helping to promote mint honey to businesses and consumers nationwide.

Mint honey is not only a gift from nature, but also a symbol of the resilience of the people in this border region of Vietnam. With efforts from the government, businesses, and local communities, this product is increasingly asserting its position and becoming a source of pride for Vietnamese agricultural products.