Nàng Thơm chợ Đào

Nàng Thơm chợ Đào is a traditional rice variety originating from Vietnam's Mỹ Lệ commune in Cần Đước district, Long An province. Literally translated, the name means the virgin Thom of the Red Market, with the word Thơm presumably meaning scented in reference to the distinctive aroma of this rice variety.

It was first sold in the Red Market, hence the word Đào in its name. The rice grains are small and long, with a small pinkish kernel inside called hạt lựu, meaning pomegranate seed. After cooking, the rice also develops a slightly sweet flavor, which is why it's more prized and a bit more expensive than most other varieties.

It's also difficult to grow this rice variety because of the specific soil and weather conditions in the region. Interestingly, since the 19th century, this rice was used as a primary offering to emperor Minh Mang.