Durian 101: The Secrets of This Tropical Fruit That ChatGPT Didn’t Tell You!

Remember in our previous article, ‘The Benefits of Durian‘ where I shared my experience of asking ChatGPT which fruit has the most vitamin B6? Surprisingly, durian didn’t make it onto the list! ChatGPT explained that since durian isn’t as commonly eaten worldwide, it wasn’t included. This got us thinking—where can you actually find durians, and in which countries is it a ‘local specialty’?Today, let’s dive into the world of durians. We’ll explore where it grows, the different varieties, which are the best-tasting types, and a few tips on picking the perfect durian so that you can make the most of the next durian season!

Which Countries Grow Durian?

As of 2024, the main durian-growing countries are in Southeast Asia, including:

1. Thailand: Thailand is the world’s largest producer and exporter of durians, accounting for about 94% of global exports between 2020 and 2022. With many varieties cultivated, Thailand supplies durians worldwide. Notable Thai varieties include the Monthong and Chanee.
2. Malaysia: Known for premium varieties like Musang King and Black Thorn, Malaysia’s durian exports have grown by 107% from 2016 to 2021. Popular Malaysian varieties include Musang King, D24, and Black Thorn.
3. Indonesia: Indonesia is also a significant durian producer with many local varieties, primarily catering to the domestic market. Well-known Indonesian types include Red Durian (Durio graveolens) and Matahari.
4. Vietnam: Vietnam’s durian industry is growing fast, with exports to China reaching 32,750 tons in the first quarter of 2024, valued at $161 million. Popular varieties grown here include Ri6 and Monthong.
5. Philippines: The Philippines, especially the Davao region, grows durians for the domestic market with some exports. Notable varieties are Arancillo and Puyat.
6. China: Although not a traditional durian grower, China has recently started cultivating durian in Hainan Province, with an expected yield of 200 tons in 2024. The primary variety grown is Monthong.

How Many Varieties of Durian Are There?

As of 2024, Malaysia’s Agriculture Department has registered 134 durian varieties, Thailand has over 234, and Vietnam has around 20-30. Listing them all would be overwhelming, so here we focus on the popular varieties with unique flavors that appeal to durian fans. Malaysian varieties are especially prized in the Asian market for their naturally ripened, fragrant, and flavorful profiles, while Thailand has a wide range of varieties, though most aren’t commercially produced.

Variety Name	Origin Country	Also Grown In	Appearance	Flesh Color	Flavor Description
Golden Phoenix (D198)	Malaysia	None	Small, greenish shell, long sharp spikes	Pale yellow	Pronounced bitterness, fine texture, intense aroma with a lasting hint of fresh grass
Tekka (D160)	Malaysia	None	Small, dark green shell, large dense spikes	Pale yellow	Mildly bitter with some sweetness, dry but fine texture, rich creamy aroma, deeper bitterness in aftertaste
Sweet Girl (D111)	Malaysia	None	Small, green shell, rounded shape	Pale yellow	Honey-like sweetness, dense texture, rich creamy flavor with a sweet, non-bitter finish, perfect for sweet lovers
Black Thorn (D200)	Malaysia	None	Medium, black thorn protrusion on the bottom	Orange-red	Strong sweetness, smooth and creamy, slight bitter aftertaste, rich caramel and nutty aroma
Musang King (D197)	Malaysia	Thailand, Indonesia, China (Hainan)	Medium, greenish shell, star pattern at the bottom	Golden yellow	Rich creamy texture, sweet with a hint of bitterness, complex layers, strong aftertaste with distinctive durian aroma
D24 (Sultan)	Malaysia	Thailand, Indonesia, China (Hainan)	Medium, greenish shell, short spikes	Pale yellow	Sweet with a hint of bitterness, smooth and creamy texture, rich but not overpowering flavor, suitable for those who enjoy balanced flavors
XO (D24)	Malaysia	None	Medium, green shell, smooth surface	Pale yellow	Light alcohol aroma, mildly bitter sweetness, smooth texture, long aftertaste with a unique alcoholic note
Red Prawn (D175)	Malaysia	Thailand, Indonesia	Medium, brown shell, slightly rounded shape	Orange-red	Very sweet, soft and silky texture, rich creamy flavor with a hint of almond, sweet but not overwhelming
Long Stem (D175)	Malaysia	None	Medium, long stem, dense spikes	Golden yellow	Sweet with a touch of bitterness, fine texture, slight caramel aroma, balanced sweet-bitter taste, soft and long-lasting aftertaste
Kampung	Malaysia	None	Various sizes, diverse appearance, typically wild varieties	Varies	Diverse flavors, may be sweet, bitter, or slightly sour, naturally fragrant with complex layers
Matahari	Indonesia	Thailand	Medium, yellow-green shell, rounded shape	Golden yellow	Strong fruity aroma, rich yet mild sweetness, fine and smooth texture, slight milky and floral notes, long sweet aftertaste
Red Flesh	Indonesia	Malaysia, Thailand	Medium, green shell, dense spikes	Red	Sweet and layered flavor, slightly tangy, dense texture, strong aroma with exotic fruit notes
Chanee	Thailand	Malaysia, Vietnam	Medium, dark green shell, coarse spikes	Pale yellow	Sweet with a hint of bitterness, intense aroma, dense texture, distinct durian aroma, well-balanced sweet-bitter profile
Monthong	Thailand	Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, China (Hainan)	Large, yellow-green shell, slightly elongated shape	Pale yellow	Mild, smooth sweetness with a hint of fruitiness, rich but non-bitter sweetness, thick and smooth texture
Arancillo	Philippines	None	Medium, green shell, short spikes	Pale yellow	Mild sweetness with slight bitterness, smooth and fine texture, subtle fruity acidity, soft aftertaste
Puyat	Philippines	None	Large, green shell, slightly elongated shape	Pale yellow	Extremely sweet and full-bodied, slight floral aroma, thick and creamy smooth texture, sweet with a hint of acidity in aftertaste
Ri6	Vietnam	Thailand	Large, green shell, slightly elongated shape	Golden yellow	Rich sweetness, dense texture, full-bodied flavor with a strong aroma, slight floral note, long-lasting aftertaste

With so many flavor and texture differences, each variety offers something unique, allowing durian lovers to find their perfect match.

Which Durian Variety Tastes the Best?

Choosing a favorite durian variety depends on your taste preferences. Some people love the rich sweetness and creamy texture, while others enjoy the bittersweet complexity. For a sweeter taste, varieties like Red Prawn or Monthong offer a smooth, sweet flavor. Those who prefer a hint of bitterness might go for Musang King or Black Thorn, which have rich caramel and nutty undertones that make each bite more intense. Because flavor preferences are so personal, there’s no official ranking from durian associations. Most “best variety” lists you find online reflect market feedback and personal preferences rather than any formal ranking.

How to Pick your Perfect Durian?

When buying durian, it’s all about choosing what suits your taste and needs. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Consider Who It’s For: Think about whether the durian is for yourself or as a gift. For gifting, well-loved varieties like Musang King or the premium Black Thorn are popular choices. For personal enjoyment, select based on your preference for sweetness or bitterness.
2. Size Matters: Different varieties come in different sizes. Larger types like Monthong or Puyat are great for sharing, while smaller varieties like Golden Phoenix are perfect for solo enjoyment without waste.
3. Shelf Life: The origin and harvesting method impact shelf life and flavor. Malaysian durians are often harvested fully ripe, with soft, rich flesh and a shorter shelf life—ideal for immediate consumption. Thai durians are usually picked semi-ripe and ripened later, giving them a firmer texture and a milder sweetness with a longer shelf life, which is suitable for longer storage or travel.
4. Flavor Clues: While the outer appearance can give you some hints, it’s tough to predict the exact taste just by looking. Ask the vendor about the flavor profile of different varieties, or buy from reputable sellers who can guide you to the best options.

With these tips, whether you prefer sweet or slightly bitter durians, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your taste!