When it comes to the notorious durian – aka the 'King of Fruits' – you're not going to be stuck in some sort of happy middle-ground. You either love it with a burning passion or despise it with all your heart.
For as long as the fruit has been consumed in Southeast Asia (and across the world), durian 'haters' tend to complain about its pungent smell, often compared to old cheese, onions, and literal garbage.
But you can't blame them, even if you're a durian lover. The smell can be so strong and (subjectively) disturbing, the fruit is banned in many hotels and various forms of public transport – this is widely seen even in Southeast Asia, where the thorny fruit is from.
No stink, no problem.
For illustration purposes only. IMAGE: New Straits Times / Berita Harian
Thailand recently introduced a new strain of durian that's claimed to be non-stinky, which could provide a new gateway for people who have traditionally looked at it in disdain.
Called the Pak Chong-Khao Yai variety, growers say its flesh is soft and dry, with its flavor being as sweet as you'd expect. Of course, its odor is also supposed to be rather mild, to the point that it won't bother anyone.
Nakhon Ratchasima, the province where this new durian is grown, recently celebrated the fruit in its first durian festival, which received geographical indication (GI) certification from the Department of Intellectual Property back in 2021.
Having GI certification means the Pak Chong-Khao Yai durian has specific characteristics and attributes that are exclusive to products from that region or area. In a way, the GI label acts as a symbol of authenticity.
For illustration purposes only. IMAGE: HONG SON / Pexels
Just imagine: You're having a great staycation with friends and/or loved ones and you suddenly have a hankering for durian. Though we can't confirm ourselves whether this new durian strain is any good (at least for the Malaysian taste palate), it would probably still be better than nothing if you find yourself stuck in a hotel or some other place that prohibits the fruit.
What does this mean for durian lovers? This new variety probably won't be exempt from existing rules prohibiting durian in certain places, but we could probably sneak them in undetected.
I'm not suggesting that you break any laws. But you know, you can only be sorry if you're caught, right? ?
Now, the rest of Southeast Asia will have to wait for this durian to become available in our respective countries.
People are also reading these stories:
Former Malaysian politician resorts to selling durian to make a living
This Shopee store sells US$0.04 durian husks for 'naughty hubbies' to kneel on
Durian causes mass evacuation in town due to fears of toxic 'gas leak'
Malaysian durian places first in China's second largest retail festival
Follow Mashable SEA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram.
