Durian

tropical fruit · Southeast Asia · spiky

Grows on trees. The durian comes from trees in the genus Durio, and there are 30 different species of durian trees. At least nine of these species make fruit that people can eat.

Native to island regions. The main durian species that you can buy around the world comes from Borneo, Sumatra, and the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia.

King of fruits. The durian fruit is covered in pointy spikes and has a creamy, pale yellow inside. Some people love its rich, complex taste, while others find its strong smell hard to handle.

Many varieties exist. In Thailand alone, there are over 300 different named types of durians, and Malaysia has over 200 varieties. Each one can taste a little different from the others.

Local favorites worldwide. While Durio zibethinus is the only durian species sold internationally, other durian species are grown and enjoyed in their own regions across Southeast Asia.