Durian

Durian, often referred to as the “king of fruits,” is one of the most famous and unique tropical fruits of Vietnam. Its flavor and aroma are highly distinctive and intense—some people fall in love with it, while others find it hard to enjoy.

Characteristics of Vietnamese Durian

Shape and Size:
Durian is typically oval or round, with an outer shell that ranges from green to yellow depending on the variety, covered in sharp spines. Each fruit weighs between 1 and 4 kilograms.

Flesh:
The flesh is soft, golden or pale yellow, with a rich, sweet, creamy taste and an unmistakable aroma. Its strong scent can spread far and wide, which not everyone can tolerate.

Seeds:
Inside the fruit are large seeds that can be eaten after boiling or roasting.

Popular Durian Varieties in Vietnam

• Ri6 Durian: One of the most famous and highly favored varieties. It features thick golden flesh, small seeds, and a rich sweetness.

• Chín Hóa Durian: Loved for its unique flavor, thick flesh, and few seeds.

• Monthong Durian: Originally from Thailand but widely cultivated in Vietnam, known for its soft flesh, distinctive aroma, and small seeds.

Major Durian-Growing Regions

Durian is primarily grown in southern provinces of Vietnam, such as:

• Tiền Giang: The province with the largest durian cultivation area, renowned for Ri6 and Monthong varieties.

• Bến Tre: Famous for high-quality durian varieties.

• Đồng Nai: Known for Monthong and Ri6 durians, many of which are exported to international markets.

Nutritional Value and Benefits

Durian is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and dietary fiber. Eating durian provides energy, supports digestion, and can help improve mood.

Ways to Enjoy Durian

Durian can be eaten fresh or used in various dishes such as durian ice cream, durian cakes, durian sweet soup, and many other desserts. However, due to its strong aroma, durian is often prohibited in public places like hotels, airplanes, and public transport.

Conclusion

Vietnamese durian is a unique fruit with a distinctive flavor, loved by many. Thanks to its high-quality varieties and favorable growing regions, Vietnamese durian has become an important and economically valuable agricultural product.