Known as the "king of fruits", durian is especially popular in Asia. It is generally believed that the origin of durian is Malaysia and Indonesia, and later transplanted to countries such as Thailand. The outer skin of durian looks a bit fierce, but the flesh contained inside is soft and fluffy, with a unique aroma and sweetness. However, in order to taste an authentic durian, you also need to choose the right variety. After years of development, durian produced in Thailand has become the world's first, and durian can be seen on the streets and alleys of Thailand from April to October every year.
In fact, there are more than hundreds of varieties of durian in Thailand, each with a different taste, sweetness and texture. Today we have selected 8 durian varieties that are famous in Thailand, but not necessarily known to the public, let's enjoy them together!
Ganyao durian
The Thai pronunciation "Kanyao" means "long handle" because it has a longer stem than other varieties. Most of them are grown in Nonthaburi province, but because there are few farms, the prices are high and out of reach of ordinary people. Ganyao durian has even been auctioned for sky-high prices, with a price of 1.5 million baht per piece, making it the most expensive durian in the world. So how to choose dry durian? The fruit handle should be fat and hard, not damaged, and the thorns should be neatly arranged, which is good. Generally, the price of one piece in the market is 5000~15000 baht. Weight about 2~3kg.
- Appearance: The shape is round, the spines are small and dense, the skin is thick, and the pit is round and large.
- Taste: The durian smells very fragrant, and the sweetness and cotton density are just right.
- Recommended doneness: Freshly cooked
Qingni durian
In addition to eating the pulp directly, durian can also be used to make desserts such as durian ice cream, durian smoothie, durian sticky rice and so on. Most durian desserts also use Qingni durian because it has a special smell. The price of one kilogram is 65~125 baht.
- Appearance: the thorns are large and short, the thorns are relatively sparse, the skin is thick, the flesh is dark, and the pit is round and small.
- Taste: Durian smells strong, very sweet and creamy. The taste is tender and chewy. If the doneness is high, the meat will be soft and the taste will be heavy.
- Recommended edible doneness: Growing on fruit trees just ripe
Golden pillow durian
Durian lovers are sure to know Golden Pillow Durian as one of the famous durian varieties. It is also popular in Thailand because it is easy to grow as long as the weather is hot enough. Each kilogram costs between 150 and 180 baht, and one weighs about 3 to 4 kilograms.
- Appearance: large particles, sharp spines. The flesh is large, the pit is small, and the color is darker.
- Taste: Sweetness and cotton density are balanced. The flesh is a bit dry and does not stick in the mouth. It has a sweeter taste when ripe.
- Recommended doneness: Freshly cooked
Delicate durian
Some people call Thai Cheng Yi Province "Fruit House" because of the variety of fruits grown here. Linglong durian is one of the traditional durian varieties in Chengyi Province, mainly produced in Lalai County. The production period is from April to August every year. The price per kilogram is between 300 and 500 baht.
- Appearance: smaller than other varieties, the shape is round and oval. The pit is small and the flesh is darker.
- Taste: moderate sweetness, fibrous texture, soft and chewy. The durian smell is not strong, it has a floral fragrance, and the aroma becomes stronger and stronger after ripening.
- Recommended doneness: Freshly cooked
Tomani durian
Tomani durian is a traditional durian variety in the east, which is smaller. One weighs about 1.5 to 2.5 kg. Previously, Tomani durian was not very popular due to its smaller size. But since the farm opened to the public for durian tastings and tours, and a buffet-to-eat service was launched, the variety has become more popular and more expensive. The price per kilogram is between 200 and 250 baht.
- Appearance: The color of the flesh is dark yellow, some orange, but a disadvantage is that the flesh is less.
- Taste: Very sweet, soft taste, durian smell is particularly fragrant.
- Recommended doneness: Freshly cooked
Golden durian
Golden durian is one of the most popular varieties because it grows fast and is easy to cultivate. It can be bought in the general market and the price is relatively cheap. Golden durian is a smaller variety, weighing only about 1 kg each. The price per kilogram is between 70 and 100 baht.
- Appearance: The flesh color is dark yellow, dry, low moisture. The pulp is small and the pit is large.
- Taste: moderate sweetness and cotton density, soft and chewy flesh, and delicious durian. Suitable for durian that does not like to eat very sweet.
- Recommended doneness: Freshly cooked
Bala Wu durian
Bala Wu durian is a golden-pillowed durian that grows in the La-U forest area of Bashu Province. Due to the good soil and air quality in this forest area, the durian produced has a unique smell and is also very delicious, which is different from ordinary golden pillow durian. The price is about 300 baht/kg.
- Appearance: sharp spines, particularly obvious fruit petals, light flesh color.
- Taste: high density than sweetness, dry taste. Durian smells fragrant, not too heavy, suitable for people who are not very receptive to the smell of durian.
- Recommended doneness: Freshly cooked.
Four-color Jufu volcanic durian
Most of the famous durians are grown in the east, whether in Rayong, Trang Thaburi or Tratat Province. However, the four-color jufu volcano is planted in the northeast, and it is planted in the four-color jufu volcanic area of golden pillow, qingni, and ganyao durian. Since the volcanic area is rich in basalt and various nutrients, this is a great help in growing durian, and it also gives the four-color jufu volcanic durian a special taste. One is about 2-3kg and costs between 300-500 baht/kg.
- Appearance: The spines are a little densely arranged, the skin is thinner, the flesh is very dark, and the pit is small.
- Taste: The sweetness and density are just right, and the flesh is tender and chewy. The smell of durian is very fragrant but not heavy, and everyone who has eaten it will be addicted.
- Recommended edibility: fast ripe ~ just ripe.
5 ways to eat Thai durian
- Regular eating method: directly open raw food, with mangosteen can also avoid fire!
- Roasted durian: This is a very delicious way to eat, it is recommended that friends who love durian try it. Durian can be grilled directly or plucked and wrapped in tin foil and grilled, no matter which roasting method can make the sweetness of durian to a higher level, rich in aroma and smooth in taste.
- Dried durian fruit: Freeze-dried durian meat, retaining the original shape of durian, while maintaining a fresh taste, making dried durian as a snack is also particularly delicious.
- Durian mooncake: Durian mooncake is a unique food that will not be absent every year in Thailand, and many hotels and restaurants that launch mooncakes will serve it! With its unique aroma and dense taste, it is a must-see for durian lovers.
- Durian Chicken Soup: Stewed chicken soup with durian is the best. This soup is both qi-replenishing and not dry, and the nature is mild, and it also has a variety of dietary therapeutic effects, including nourishing blood and qi, moisturizing and nourishing yin, suitable for people with different physiques, and the most suitable for autumn and winter! You can add some other ingredients when stewing soup, such as red dates, ginger slices, etc., to make it more flavorful.
In addition to the above ways, there are many other ways to eat durian. Whether eaten raw or cooked, you can feel the deliciousness and nutrition brought by durian.
After reading these 8 famous durian varieties, are you more interested in which variety and want to try? If you have the opportunity to travel to Thailand in the future, you can try the durian you want to eat and the local Thai food!