coconut shredding machine
The highlight of our Ho Chi Minh city tour was taking the boat along the Mekong river. The frequent stops on 3 islands allowed us to learn about life on the river and the livelihood of the river dwellers. Interesting to see cottage industries and learn how they are struggling to survive in this modern world.
Coconut candy for visitors to taste
coconut milk extractor
Arriving on the second island, we visited a coconut processing factory. We were given a free sample of the candy. It is not something I would try the second time as it was too sweet for my liking.
The local guide explained the process of making this sweet coconut candy.
cooking coconut candy over a hot stove
Although the factory was housed in an open shed, it was not messy. The machines were kept clean and shiny.
There was a cauldron of coconut candy mixture cooking on the stove.
Leaving the candy to cool off
On a long table, some candy had been left to cool. What upset me was seeing the number of itchy-hand visitors who poked or touched the cooked candy. I wanted to vomit out the piece of candy I ate.
local workers hand wrapping coconut candy
After the tour, many tourists picked up interesting sweet treats of coconut candy at a corner of the factory.
coconut products for sale
We spent about half an hour at this place before being herded off to another venue behind the factory.
Yucks! Everyone touched the candy and you ate it? Haha!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that it was contaminated. A worker distributed the candy samples to every visitor at the front entrance. It's only inside the "factory" that we can see the production.
DeleteSo you didn't buy any of the coconut candies home? :)
ReplyDeleteNO.
DeleteI wonder if I stopped at this very same place last year. I was fascinated by the visit.
ReplyDeleteIt's fascinating to see the production of their local sweets
DeleteNice experience to learn the process of making it :)
ReplyDeleteAi @ Sakura Haruka
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Yes, using a traditional recipe.
DeleteI can imagine that, being touched by one and all.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise a great tour!
The factory workers should have erected a barrier around the table where the cooked candy was cooling off. Anyway, visitors should have the common sense that they are not supposed to poke or touched the cooked food with bare hands.
DeleteHmm.... great experience but I am not really a huge fan of coconut candies though
ReplyDeleteMe too. My hubby loves everything that has coconut in it. :)
DeleteWhat fun and interesting oh and tasty LOL
ReplyDeleteLOL.... it wasn't tasty for me.
DeleteLooks fascinating, but after your warning, I think I'll pass on tasting the candy.
ReplyDeleteFood safety is vital for consumer confidence, hope the factory owner or workers would take note.
Deletelooks like an interesting place. I would like to try that candy, but would like a more sanitary process.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog :)
Overall the factory is clean and organised, they didn't stop visitors from touching the candy which was left on the table to cool.
DeleteThat is an interesting tour.
ReplyDeleteFun too.
Delete