Ly Son garlic is a renowned specialty of Ly Son Island (Quang Ngai Province), often referred to as the island’s “white gold” thanks to its exceptional quality and high economic value. It is also the region’s key agricultural crop, accounting for over 70% of Ly Son’s total farming output.
Distinctive Characteristics of Ly Son Garlic (GI Certified)
Garlic bulbs carrying the Ly Son Geographical Indication (GI) exhibit unique morphological traits:
- Small bulbs, average weight 7.87 g/bulb
- Bulb height: around 2.6 cm
- Bulb diameter: around 2.5 cm
- Skin and clove peel: chalky white
- Flesh: ivory-white with a light green tint
- Aroma: mild and fragrant
- Flavor: lightly spicy with a natural sweet aftertaste
These characteristics result from the island’s rare natural conditions—volcanic basaltic soil mixed with nutrient-rich coral sand.
Growing Season and Annual Output
Ly Son garlic is planted from September and harvested around February of the following year. The cultivation period lasts more than five months.
For the current season, Ly Son farmers planted approximately 320 hectares, with average yields of 400–500 kg per sao (500 m²). The total estimated output includes:
- Nearly 3,000 tons of fresh garlic
- Equivalent to 2,400–2,500 tons of dried garlic
Current fresh garlic prices range from 20,000–30,000 VND/kg.
Local Farming Conditions
Production statistics from various farming households show:
- A household cultivating 3 sao yields around 1.3 tons of fresh garlic
- Average productivity ranges from 4–5 quintals per sao
- A cold-air surge during bulb-forming stage reduced yields by up to 20% in some fields
Farmers are simultaneously harvesting and storing healthy bulbs for next year’s seed stock.
Brand Building and Value Enhancement
Ly Son garlic has been officially recognized with:
- Collective Trademark Certification
- Geographical Indication (GI) Protection
Local authorities are implementing multiple strategies to strengthen the brand:
- Partnerships with processing and distribution companies nationwide
- Expanded promotional activities to increase market presence
- Guidance for farmers to follow safe, high-quality production standards
- Establishment of a GI Compliance and Control Board
- Support for organizations and individuals applying to use the Ly Son GI
- Development of a traceability system for Ly Son garlic
Once the traceability framework is fully implemented, Ly Son garlic is expected to achieve higher market value and expand its reach to both domestic and international markets.
