[FAIE] FAIE Students with the Startup Project of Roasted Rambutan Seeds

With a unique and creative idea of roasting and drying seeds from rambutan fruit, a group of students from the Faculty of Business Administration - International Economics, Lac Hong University, developed the startup project “Chom Chom Rang Say – Rambutan Fairy.”

Students from the Faculty of Business Administration - International Economics, Lac Hong University received the Consolation Prize at the 5th Competition “Pupils and Students with Startup Ideas” (SV STARTUP 2024). Photo: NVCC

The project aims to contribute to exploiting the value of rambutan seeds, enhancing the value of Dong Nai’s agricultural products, and was awarded the Consolation Prize at the 5th Competition “Pupils and Students with Startup Ideas” (SV STARTUP 2024).

Unique Roasted Rambutan Seeds

Dong Nai is currently the province with the largest rambutan cultivation area in the country, covering more than 9,000 hectares. Rambutan is the province’s second-largest fruit crop (after bananas), with an output of more than 152,000 tons in 2023. The delicious sweetness of rambutan is favored by many consumers, yet few people know that rambutan seeds are also tasty and offer various health benefits.

Recognizing the benefits of rambutan seeds, a group of five students from the Faculty of Business Administration - International Economics, Lac Hong University, including: Pham Thi Vo Hong Dieu, Vo Thi Hong Cuc, Tran Thi Thanh Tuyen, Nguyen Nhu Quynh, and Pham Minh Tan, jointly implemented the startup project “Chom Chom Rang Say – Rambutan Fairy.”

The team’s goal is to create a distinctive and appealing food product that not only generates high economic value but also preserves the natural flavor and nutrients of rambutan seeds. At the same time, the project aspires to contribute to sustainable agricultural development and create employment opportunities for the community.

Roasted rambutan seeds are made from carefully selected fresh rambutans. The seeds are dried before roasting to retain their distinctive flavor and ensure crispness. The finished product consists of rambutan seeds that combine natural sweetness with a mild salty taste from the roasting process. This can become a nutritious and delicious snack or light food. This “snack” can be consumed directly or used as an ingredient in other dishes, adding diversity and creativity to cuisine.

In addition to their confidence in creating a new and appealing food product for consumers, the project team believes this could become a new and potential source of income for rambutan growers. The team expects that roasted rambutan seeds can be exported to expand the market and enhance the country’s agricultural exports.

Enhancing the Value of Agricultural Products

Analyzing the project, the team representative stated that rambutan is a specialty fruit of Dong Nai, particularly in the Long Khanh area. The production process is not overly complicated. Therefore, the product can be offered at a reasonable price and compete with similar products already available on the market. If the raw material source is effectively utilized, this product could generate additional income for farmers and local residents, contributing to the development of the food processing industry.

Roasted and dried rambutan seed product.

According to the project team, although some people know that roasted rambutan seeds are edible, roasted and dried rambutan seeds remain a new product that is not yet widely available on the market. The use of processing methods without chemicals can enhance the product’s nutritional value and safety.

Rambutan seeds contain antioxidants that are beneficial to health but can only be consumed after being properly roasted. The compounds in roasted rambutan seeds may help control blood sugar levels, balance cholesterol levels, supplement protein and essential minerals, and support hormone regulation to reduce stress on the body.

In addition to the goal of enhancing the value of agricultural products, the team hopes that processing roasted and dried rambutan seeds will contribute to creating a distinctive highlight to attract tourists to Dong Nai. Another “plus point” emphasized by the team is that utilizing rambutan seeds helps reduce the amount of rambutan discarded or left unused due to not meeting consumption standards. This contributes to minimizing waste and protecting the environment.

Project team leader PHAM THI VO HONG DIEU shared: “Participating in the SV STARTUP competition is not only an opportunity for us to challenge ourselves but also a meaningful journey where we learn, grow, and connect. The project ‘Chom Chom Rang Say – Rambutan Fairy’ is a testament to the creativity and relentless efforts of the entire team.”

According to Dong Nai Online Newspaper