A century-old parkia speciosa tree in Trang province has become a lucrative source of income, generating up to 40,000 baht annually from a single tree. Situated at Suan Ta Chan Tonmai Panpi in Trang’s Na Yong district, the tree has attracted attention due to its large, long pods and exceptional taste.
Satit Ramna, a 53-year-old local, has hired individuals from the community to climb and harvest the pods from his four 100-year-old parkia speciosa trees. Despite facing a prolonged drought lasting over three months, each tree is anticipated to produce between 800 and 1,000 pods this year, slightly lower than usual. The pods, which are priced between 3.50 and 5 baht each, remain in high demand for their quality – they are long, large, and as big as a 5-baht coin.
Known locally as sato, these parkia speciosa pods have a unique taste that sets them apart from other varieties. Satit proudly claims that the flavor of these pods is superior, boasting a milder aroma and a rich, nutty taste. The soil in the Na Yong district, enriched with minerals from the nearby Banthat mountain range, contributes to the exceptional quality of the pods. This unique growing condition results in crisp, slightly bitter pods that customers eagerly pre-order each year, resulting in an annual income of 30,000 to 40,000 baht.
The parkia speciosa trees have been cultivated by Satit’s ancestors, who brought them from the Banthat mountain range, and they have been passed down for three generations. Today, only four trees remain, but their reputation continues to draw customers. These trees produce pods almost year-round, ensuring a steady supply of this sought-after product.
The parkia speciosa pods come in two varieties – sato khao and sato dan. The former is preferred for its softer texture and milder aroma, making it ideal for various dishes, while the latter, although larger, has a tougher texture and stronger smell, making it less popular among consumers.
Aside from being a culinary favorite in southern Thailand, the pods also possess medicinal properties. They are believed to slow down aging, reduce wrinkles, improve eye health, and benefit bones and teeth due to their calcium and phosphorus content. Additionally, they help improve blood circulation and reduce anemia. Excess pods are often pickled and sold online across the country.
This year, Satit’s trees have produced pods in batches of 50 to 100 at a time. Some batches are ready for harvest while the next batch is just flowering. Local vendors purchase the pods for 3.50 to 5 baht each, ensuring that none go to waste. Satit attributes the distinctive taste of his parkia speciosa to the unique climate and mountain soil of the Na Yong district.
In Phetchaburi, Satit has a loyal customer who orders around 3,000 pods annually, refusing to consume any other variety. When the pods are harvested, vendors quickly purchase them all, highlighting the high demand for this particular product. Each of the four trees produces approximately 3,000 pods per year, showcasing their impressive productivity.
The success of Satit’s parkia speciosa trees serves as a testament to the quality of the product and the unique growing conditions in the Na Yong district. Customers continue to flock to purchase these pods for their exceptional taste and medicinal benefits, ensuring a steady income for Satit and his family.