How to Choose the Perfect Durian

With all the hype around durians, there remains one tricky problem to solve: how to choose the durians and be sure you are receiving the real stuff. In this article, we will be giving you tips on how to choose the perfect durian for you!

Scratch the stem!

Examine the stem and the area around it. The stem is a fresh indicator, by gently scratching the stem with your fingertips, it should flake off revealing the color. A fresh durian will have a green colored stem that is slightly moist whereas a durian that is old or has been harvested earlier will have a brown and dry stem.

Smell the durian/the sniff test!

By smelling the durian, you can indicate its freshness/ripeness. The fruit's aroma serves as a further indicator of its freshness and flavor. You should always go a slightly sweet-smelling durian as that is an indication that it is ripe and fresh. If the flesh has a slight fragrant smell, there may be some bitterness there. A durian is unripe if it does not smell and an indication that the fruit is overripe is a strong scent.

Appearance matters! Look at the shape of the fruit.

People usually think that a perfectly rounded or oval durian is the best one, however that isn’t always the case as the ones that are a little wonkier and curvier are usually more flavorful and creamier. A rounded and oval durian usually means that the flesh is evenly distributed throughout the inside, it indicates that the durian has more meat . The shape doesn’t determine the taste though as it simply depends on your preference.

Pay attention to the color.

Pay close attention to the color of the fruits flesh. The durian is often sweeter if the flesh is a bright yellow color, and a durian with a more yellow-greyish tone indicates that the flesh will have a more bitter taste. However, if the flesh is a pale-greyish tone, there is a high chance that the durian is unripe.

Listen out when the durian seller taps on the fruit/shake the durian.

Be sure to keep your ears open when the seller taps or shakes the durian. If the fruit is ripe it should sound like a drum, you should be able to hear the seeds move a bit on the inside but not rattling too much. If it does rattle a lot, then it means that the durian has not fully ripened.

Follow these tips and hopefully you will have picked the perfect durian for you! Selecting the perfect durian requires a combination of sensory observation and experience. By considering these six essential factors – aroma, color, sound, stem, weight, and personal taste.

Durian selection is subjective, and personal preference plays a significant role, it is also helpful to consult with a durian connoisseur or seller who can guide you through the diverse durian varieties and seasons. So, what are you waiting for? Tis the season to embark on your durian-picking adventure and savor the rich and distinct flavors of this beloved tropical fruit.