Brackish Water Irrigation for Crispier, Flavorful Apples

Under the shade of apple trees, Ms. Vu Thi Rua, a former footwear worker, shared her secrets to growing exceptionally flavorful apples. After years of experimenting with various fruit trees in the sandy soil and brackish water of her hometown in Vinh Quang commune, Hai Phong city, she found success with the Dai Mat apple variety from Taiwan. Ms. Rua's innovative approach involves irrigating her apple trees with brackish water when the fruit is small. This unique technique, combined with organic farming practices using fermented fertilizers and natural pest control, results in crispier, more flavorful apples. Located near the sea, the orchard benefits from easy access to brackish water. This method, along with careful pruning and trellising for optimal sunlight, allows Ms. Rua to produce high-quality apples that command a premium price, earning her substantial profits. The success of her orchard has inspired other farmers in the region to cultivate Dai Mat apples, though many have yet to match the quality of Ms. Rua's fruit due to their reliance on chemical fertilizers and less refined techniques.