With the durian season already upon us, it is just fitting to know more about the "King of Fruits" through its varieties that are available in our country.

Although this exotic fruit is mostly grown in the southern part of Mindanao (Davao in particular), durian may also be found on some occasional parts of the archipelago. It is thought to have originated from Borneo and is commonly available in Southeast Asian countries.

Known for its distinct smell and peculiar thorn-covered rind, it has become a well-loved delicacy both for locals and foreigners. It can be eaten fresh by itself, but through the years, there has been a rise in the popularity of various durian dessert products, snacks, and even beverages. 

Durian is very nutritious, as it is rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, vitamin C, fiber, and various healthy plant compounds. As a precaution though, it should not be consumed with alcohol, as compounds in the durian fruit prevent certain enzymes from breaking down the alcohol. This results in increased alcohol levels in the blood and may cause heart palpitations, nausea, and vomiting.

The Durio species and durian varieties

The durian fruit belongs to the genus Durio which has about 30 recognized species. Available research data from Purdue University cites there are about 300 named varieties of durian in Thailand. While in Malaysia, there are 100 types of durian that are graded for size and quality.

In the Philippines, the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS) lists five recommended durian varieties and clones in the country. If you consider yourself as a true durian enthusiast, here are the durian types you should try:

1. Chanee

With a cylindrical shape and golden yellow flesh color, this aromatic durian variety can reach a weight of up to five kilos per fruit. Chanee means ‘gibbon’ in Thai, and is considered one of the most infection-resistant species. It has greenish-brown skin, and up to 40% of the fruit is edible. 

2. Manthong

Similar to Chanee, the Manthong variety can weigh up to 5 kilos. However, its shape is more elongated than rounded. The fruit’s skin is golden yellowish-brown and its inside is a creamy yellow color. Its sweeter taste stands out among the other durian varieties. 

3. Alcon fancy

The Alcon fancy variety may be one of the best options for those who are not so fond of the durian smell, as it is characterized as mildly aromatic. Its canary-yellow flesh is firm and buttery, exhibiting both sweet and somewhat spicy flavors.  

4. Arancillo

A brownish skin color covers the mimosa yellow flesh of this durian variety. With an ovoid to a cylindrical shape, the Arancillo is among the lighter ones, weighing about 1 to 3 kilos. It is also described as mildly aromatic, with a sweet and spicy taste. Only about 33% of the fruit is an edible portion.

5. Puyat

Puyat is also cylindrical in shape, with greenish-brown skin color and chrome yellow flesh. This mildly aromatic flesh can be firm or soft and buttery. Its weight can range from three to five kilos, and up to 40% of it is edible. 

If you are still looking to expand your list, you can add these commercially available durian varieties as well: Atabrine, Duyaya, GD 69, Lacson Uno, and Mamer. Make sure you take advantage of the fruit while it is still in season, and this means you may have until September to seek out as many of these varieties as you can.