What Variety Is the Red Durian? Introducing the Characteristics of the Borneo Durio graveolens
Durio graveolens is a typical representative of jungle durian. The impressive red interior is so shockingly bright that many people question whether food coloring has been used. It is also one of the most popular durian varieties, widely sold in markets throughout Borneo. Many people actually prefer it to ordinary durian, and with good reason.
Despite its fame (or perhaps because of it), Durio graveolens is the most confusing of all the durian species we have encountered.
The lipstick-red durian flesh is the image most people associate with Durio graveolens. It is small, bright yellow on the outside, sometimes tinged with brown. It has a mild odor, thick cheesy flesh, and almost no flavor at all. Many people compare eating it to eating avocado.
But Durio graveolens has another side. An addictive smooth, nutty, cheesy side, thick and difficult to swallow. So delicious, sweet and fatty that Rob and I argued over whether it could be compared to pimento cheese (a vegetarian version, and in our memory). This version of Durio graveolens is neon orange or bright yellow, wrapped in a spiky green or yellow exterior. It can be as large as a small Durio zibethinus.
Durio graveolens may actually be two species blended together under one name. Given the different ways the two fruits ripen, this seems more likely. Like most durians, the orange-fleshed durian falls to the forest floor when ripe. The red-fleshed one does not. When the fruit opens and drops its flesh and seeds to the ground, the durian remains attached to the tree. Botanist Anthony Lamb suggests that the orange-fleshed plant, known locally as Dalit, is a different species.
It is worth noting that Durio graveolens is the only species that has successfully hybridized with Durio zibethinus in the wild. The hybrid fruit can be a variety of unexpected colors, from mottled or red-striped to the vivid pink that Barbie herself would approve of. The flavor is the best of both worlds.
Distribution and Season
Durio graveolens grows in Borneo, Palawan in the Philippines, and on farms in Mindanao and Peninsular Malaysia. It is said to be found in Sumatra as well.
Durio graveolens begins fruiting at the start of the Durio zibethinus season. We found Durio graveolens in the Philippines in August, in Sabah from October to December, and in Sarawak from November to January.
