Durian is loved by many for its distinctive, rich, and aromatic flavor that is unlike any other fruit. To choose a delicious durian that isn’t tough or bland, pay attention to the following characteristics when buying it.

Durian is a fruit loved by many, but it also causes many people to “waste money” by buying unripe, tough, or under-fleshed fruit. Many fruits look quite similar on the outside, but the quality inside varies greatly. Therefore, when buying durian, don’t just choose based on feeling or size, but pay attention to a few important characteristics below.

1. Choose fruits with a well-proportioned shape.

Many people think that the bigger the durian, the tastier it is, but that’s not necessarily true. The shape of the fruit is more important. Round or slightly oval durians usually have fuller segments and thicker flesh. If the fruit is misshapen, uneven in size, or has many unusual indentations, the segments inside are likely to be uneven, flat, or have less flesh. Additionally, pay attention to the grooves on the rind. Durians with clearly defined segments are usually easier to separate and have a higher proportion of good-looking segments.

2. Prioritize fruits with fresh stems.

The stem is a very important detail when choosing durian. A stem that is still slightly green, firm, and solid to the touch usually indicates that the fruit has been recently cut and is still fresh. Conversely, if the stem is dry, shriveled, soft, or has turned dark, the fruit may have been left for a long time. This type is more likely to have reduced flavor, mushy flesh, or fermentation inside. When you hold it, a fresh stem usually has a natural firmness, not a soft, mushy texture.

3. Smell to determine doneness.

Naturally ripened durians have a distinct but not overly strong aroma. The fragrance usually spreads gently around the stem or between the segments. If the fruit has almost no smell, it’s likely that it was harvested unripe, resulting in tough or bland flesh. Conversely, if the fruit has a very strong, pungent, or strongly fermented smell, it may be overripe. Many experienced people can often estimate the quality of the fruit just by smelling it.

4. Tap to listen for any sounds inside.

A fairly common trick is to gently tap the durian rind with your hand or a knife. A good durian usually makes a slightly muffled “pop pop” sound because the flesh inside has reached a certain level of ripeness. If the sound is too hard and clear, the fruit may still be unripe. If it sounds too hollow, the flesh inside may be too mushy. However, this method should be combined with other signs for a more accurate selection.

5. Don’t be tempted by overly large cracked fruits.

Many people prefer durians with cracks because they think it means they are ripe and delicious. In reality, durians with only slight cracks along the segments are usually more appealing. If the cracks are too large, the flesh is more likely to be exposed to air for longer periods, drying out quickly or being invaded by insects. Some durians with large cracks may even be overripe and mushy. Therefore, you should only choose durians with naturally slight cracks rather than those that are completely split open.

6. Avoid buying too much at once.

Durian ripens quite quickly, so if you buy too much and don’t store it properly, the flesh can easily become mushy or lose its flavor. It’s best to only buy enough to eat within 1-2 days. If you want to store it longer, you can separate the segments and store them in an airtight container in the freezer.