The story of starting a business from Phu Luong wild chili peppers

The elderly still say that eating chili is to warm the stomach in winter, to sweat when working in the fields, to make the meal more connected. For a long time, chili has become a "must-have" spice in the Muong kitchen, hung in bright red bunches on the kitchen loft, pounded in a stone mortar to pickle, make fish sauce, or simply breaking a fresh fruit in half and dipping it in salt is enough to bring out the aroma.

In the kitchen of a stilt house in Coi hamlet, Mrs. Bui Thi Nho, over 70 years old, recalls meals during the time of poverty: “Back then, we were very poor, rice mixed with cassava, only a bowl of crushed salt with a few wild chili peppers. Yet the whole family ate well, full to go to work in the fields tomorrow. The chili peppers were spicy, but warmed the heart.” Up to now, in her kitchen attic, there are still jars of salted chili peppers and bamboo tubes of salted chili peppers to eat all year round. For her, chili peppers are not only a spice, but also a memory, a gift from the mountains and forests.

To make chili salt products, members harvest when the fruit is dark enough but not yet ripe red.

Locals say that in the past, wild chili only grew wild on the mountain slopes, perhaps thanks to flocks of birds that ate the fruit and then carried the seeds to the fields, the chili took root and spread throughout the area. With suitable soil and climate, this small plant continued to grow and flourish, becoming a familiar part of the Muong village here.

The special thing is that many places have tried to bring this chili variety back to grow, but the quality is not as good as in Phu Luong (old). The chili here has a mild spicy taste, not burning the throat, completely different from the harsh and pungent taste when grown in other regions. It is this difference that makes the brand and unique identity of Phu Luong wild chili.

From that familiar flavor, today, Phu Luong chili peppers continue to write a new story - the story of Muong women starting a business and getting rich.

Phu Luong wild chili is in season from March to May.

We visited the Phu Luong Wild Chili Cooperative when its members were busy preparing the shipment to Hanoi . While labeling and packing the products, the women chatted happily. The joy was multiplied when the chili was both in season and at a good price.

Ms. Bui Thi Ha - Head of Phu Luong Wild Chili Cooperative shared: "Chili has been associated with the people for generations, but thanks to the climate and soil here, Phu Luong wild chili has a very unique spicy taste - spicy but not burning, strong but not harsh on the throat. It is this difference that makes more and more customers come."

Few people expected that the idea of "growing organic wild chili" of the women's group had a very awkward start. In 2018, the first 15 members started farming on an area of 3,000m2 ^, with an output of only about 700 kg/year. Up to now, the cooperative has 25 members, an area of over 1ha, and an output of more than 2 tons/year. In 2024 alone, the cooperative produced nearly 10,000 jars of salted chili. The income of the members is stable at 5-6 million VND/month, with some households reaching up to 10 million VND/month during the main season from March to May.

Cooperative members select chili peppers to make salt.

From the traditional experience of salting chili peppers for year-round preservation, plus the training support of the Women's Union at all levels, women do not just stop at selling fresh chili peppers but boldly process, put them in glass jars, and preserve them for up to 24 months. Each jar of salted chili peppers costs 35,000 VND, the packaging is eye-catching, ensuring food hygiene and safety, so it is increasingly popular in the market.

With the support of Lac Son District Women's Union (before the merger), Phu Luong wild chili products have a brand, barcode to trace their origin, and professional labels. In particular, the product won a high prize in the "Startup Ideas for Women" contest organized by the Central Vietnam Women's Union, with a prize of 157 million VND to continue investing in production.

Phu Luong wild chili has been recognized as a 3-star OCOP product at the provincial level.

Up to now, Phu Luong wild chili has been recognized as a 3-star OCOP product at the provincial level and has been granted a food safety certificate. The product is not only available in many provinces and cities but also opens up prospects for further expansion in the journey of building a brand.

Ms. Bui Thi Xiem - President of the Women's Union of Quyet Thang commune emphasized: "Phu Luong wild chili is not only a valuable agricultural product, but also a testament to the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of ethnic minority women. The Union will continue to accompany and support women in terms of techniques and market connections for sustainable development."

From bold ideas, perseverance and faith, Muong women have written a successful startup story. On the mountain slopes of Quyet Thang commune, the small chili not only has a familiar spicy taste, but also contains the sweetness of the desire to rise up.

Now, "Phu Luong wild chili" is not only a spice in highland meals, but has become a startup story, a testament to the determination and creativity of highland women.

Hong Duyen

Source: https://baophutho.vn/chuyen-khoi-nghiep-tu-nhung-qua-ot-rung-phu-luong-240131.htm