Bumper custard apple season on rocky mountains of Lang Son

Over 3,000ha of custard apple trees are fruiting in the northern mountainous province of Lang Son this year. Total output is estimated at 30-32,000 tonnes worth some 1 trillion VND (44 million USD).

A custard apple farming area in Dong Mo town, Chi Lang district. Lang Son residents mainly plant the trees in mountainous areas (Photo: VNA)

A woman harvests custard apples in the Lung Than mountain area of Dong Mo town (Photo: VNA)

In the harvest season, local people have to overcome 3-4km of mountainous paths each day to pick custard apples (Photo: VNA)

The transportation of custard apples from rocky farming areas is a particularly strenuous work, especially in unfavourable weather conditions (Photo: VNA)

Farmers classify custard apples after harvesting (Photo: VNA)

Custard apples are delivered to lower-lying areas by using a system of ropes and pulleys (Photo: VNA)

A basket of custard apples is moved by a system of ropes and pulleys (Photo: VNA)

A custard apple purchasing centre in Dong Banh town of Chi Lang district. It exports about 20 tonnes of the fruit to China each day (Photo: VNA)

Custard apples are classified before being packaged and shipped to China (Photo: VNA)

Custard apples are on sale at a market in Lang Son. The local specialty is famous for its attractive appearance, thick flesh, few seeds and strong sweetness (Photo: VNA)

VNA