Organic Pomelos

Organic Pomelos One of Ban Bang Phlap’s main products is pomelos. The pomelo is a large citrus fruit a little bit like a grapefruit, but not as bitter. In Thai it is known as som o.

A banana-tree nanny: Preparations for growing a new pomelo tree starts with planting a sugar banana tree next to the spot where the pomelo will grow. The fast-growing banana tree will protect the young pomelo plant from the sun and strong winds as it grows.

Feeding the tree: The growth of the young pomelo tree is encouraged with the application of organic fertilizer once or twice a month – about one handful per square meter. Organic liquid fertilizer mixed with molasses is also added.

Getting rid of insect pests the organic way: In the past, farmers would burn branches or grass in the orchard so that the smoke would drive away the fruit flies and caterpillars that feed on pomelos. Farmers in Ban Bang Phlap, however, now use the more environmentally-friendly technique of applying organic wood vinegar to keep the insects away.

Pomelo products: Samut Songkram specializes in producing a big, white pomelo variety called khao yai. It is sweet and sour, with fewer seeds than normal, a fresh aroma, and a perfect texture: dry to the touch but juicy when you bite into it. As well as delicious fresh pomelos, Ban Bang Phlap offers creative organic products made from pomelos such as aromatic and moisturising pomelo lotion made with pomelo skin and flowers.