Where Our Ingredients Begin
Hand Forest cultivates plants in the places where they naturally originate and thrive.
The unique climate and soil conditions of each region create distinct differences in flavor, color, and the concentration of active compounds in our ingredients.
Quốc Oai, Hanoi
Key plants: Gardenia jasminoides, Wrightia religiosa, Oldenlandia corymbosa
The alluvial sandy soil of Quốc Oai is light, well-drained, and consistently moist throughout the year. This condition allows gardenia flowers to retain their golden color and gentle fragrance, helps wrightia maintain stable essential oil content, and supports Oldenlandia as a natural groundcover that keeps soil moisture and microbial diversity intact.
Lam Dong Plateau
Key plants: Camellia japonica (Red Tea Flower)
The plateau’s cool year-round climate, clear day-night temperature contrast, and mineral-rich basalt soil provide ideal conditions. Red tea flowers here grow slowly and steadily, producing deep crimson petals, a rich aroma, and high concentrations of polyphenols and antioxidants.
Binh Lieu, Quang Ninh
Key plants: Shan tea, Native raspberry, Star anise
The high mountains, cool climate, and mineral-rich gravel soil create a unique microclimate. This allows shan tea to develop a deep, lingering sweetness, native raspberries to become rich in natural sugars, and star anise to form dense essential oils with lasting fragrance.
Dak Lak
Key plants: Noni, Moringa
The fertile basalt highlands at 450 to 500 meters above sea level experience clear dry and wet seasons. These conditions help noni fruit develop a strong natural flavor, while moringa leaves become thick, green, and rich in micronutrients.
Phú Yên
Key plants: Indigenous palm fruit (dac fruit), Sea breeze tea
Basalt soil combined with a coastal climate, strong sunlight, and light saline humidity give the dac fruit its natural crunch and elasticity. Sea breeze tea develops a refreshing marine aroma, mild dryness, and a clear sweet aftertaste.
Hòa Bình
Key plants: Găng ổi (Randia tomentosa), White turmeric
The mountainous terrain interspersed with valleys provides loose, well-drained basalt-sand soil, stable rainfall, and short dry seasons. These conditions produce firm, nutrient-rich white turmeric rhizomes with high curcuminoid content, and găng ổi fruits with strong fragrance and durable skin.
Cultivating in Harmony with Nature
At Hand Forest, cultivation follows the twelve permaculture principles introduced by David Holmgren, where every action begins with observation, harmony, and responsibility toward the Earth.
Permaculture is not only a farming method but also a philosophy of regeneration. It restores soil health, enhances biodiversity, and allows plants to grow in their most natural rhythm. Instead of controlling nature, we work with it, letting balance, diversity, and time guide every season.
What Our Gardens Give Back
By following these principles, Hand Forest ensures that every plant grows in its natural rhythm and every piece of land becomes healthier with each season.
Our permaculture gardens regenerate soil, conserve water, and provide habitats for countless species, all while producing clean, potent, and deeply authentic Vietnamese botanicals.
The results of our practice include
Healthier Soil and Living Ecosystems
Natural composting and mulching restore soil fertility and microbial balance, turning degraded land into a self-sustaining ecosystem.
Increased Biodiversity
The integration of native trees, herbs, and pollinators strengthens ecosystem resilience and restores natural harmony.
Reduced Water Consumption
Rainwater harvesting and natural shade systems minimize evaporation and optimize water circulation.
Zero Chemical Footprint
No pesticides or synthetic fertilizers are used, ensuring purity for both the land and the final ingredients.
High-Quality, Nutrient-Dense Ingredients
Plants grown under natural conditions accumulate more antioxidants and bioactive compounds, resulting in superior flavor and wellness benefits.
Every garden is a living promise — to heal the Earth, to honor tradition, and to grow a future in balance with nature.