The durian (IPA: [du'ri.an]) is the fruit of trees of the genus Durio belonging to the Malvaceae, a large family which includes hibiscus, okra, cotton, mallows and linden trees. Widely known and revered in Southeast Asia as the "King of Fruits," the fruit is distinctive for its large size, unique odour, and a formidable thorn-covered husk. Its name comes from the Malay word duri (thorn) together with Malay suffix that is -an (for building a noun in Malay), meaning "thorny fruit."

NUTRITION
Durian (Durio zibethinus)
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy: 150 kcal 620 kJ
Carbohydrates: 27.09 g
Dietary fiber: 3.8 g
Fat: 5.33 g
Protein: 1.47 g
Water: 65g
Vitamin C: 19.7 mg 33%
Potassium: 436 mg 9%
~Edible parts only, raw or frozen.
~Refuse: 68% (Shell and seeds)
~Source: USDA Nutrient database
~Percentages are relative to US
~recommendations for adults.

I don't know why people in western doesn't like this "king of fruit". it sweet.
This fruit has become one of fruit commodity for export from southeast asian countries. Annually Thailand has the biggest with 111,000 tonnes even this country was not the native origin of Durian. Malaysia and Indonesia has the second, producing 265,000 tonnes per year and exporting 35,000 tonnes.

Other places where durians are grown include Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Florida, Hawaii, Papua New Guinea, Polynesian Islands, Madagascar, southern China (Hainan Island), northern Australia, and Pulau Ubin island in Singapore.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durian

Replying to [BUMshells]:

What is the approximate average size and weight of this fruit? Is it also offered as a jam/marmelade or juice?

You say that Westerners don't like this fruit, despite of being sweet. Do you have any idea what they claim to be objectionable?

Replying to [germex]:

The fruit can grow up to 30 centimeters (12 in) long and 15 centimeters (6 in) in diameter, and typically weighs 1 to 3 kilograms (2 to 7 lb). Its shape ranges from oblong to round, the color of its husk green to brown and its flesh pale-yellow to red, depending on species. The hard outer husk is covered with sharp, prickly thorns, while the edible custard-like flesh within emits the strong, distinctive odor, which is regarded as either fragrant or overpowering and offensive. The taste of the flesh has been described as nutty and sweet.

i guess the bold word explaining the most reason . and it also looks like sh*t with its tender fruit flesh. . sometimes we serve them as durian jam or as flavor for cookie and cake.

Replying to [BUMshells]:

Ok, the sh*tty aspect would be overcome if it's already made a jam or marmelade. And as such soft fruits typically spoil very fast, that might be the best option from this point of view anyway.

Now to what you called in bold letters "distinctive odor". Is that also a major obstacle? Could you describe the odor? There should be a solution to that, too.

By the way, nobody ever answered me my questions about the Vietnamese gac fruit. Do you know anything about it?

Replying to [germex]:

I don't know about gac fruit, i don't think it grows here. but you may find out here :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gac

back to durians.. the odor is very strong. even you can smell them within a mile. with the help of wind, of course. can you imagine if the smell was that strong and you have 5 of them in your small room??
i can't describe the smell. but it has a round, strong and sweet aromas.
it also can cause you bad mouth odor, gases, since it contain alcohol..it may get you dizzy if over eaten. Having the gases is the worst part
maybe this is the reason..the after effect.

Replying to [BUMshells]:

Now I understand why there isn't too much market for this fruit. It looks like..., it stinks like lion breath, it makes you dizzy, gives you bad breath, and then it makes you * like a horse.

Gee, what else do you want to make people stay away from it?

Replying to [BUMshells]:



Love this fruits...... one of my favorite fruit... not many Japanese will eat it though.

Replying to [Thomas1976]:

Very well.. i have one supporter here
By the way, Germex, people would have different perception with the smell. I think it smells delicious. but not the * one

Replying to [BUMshells]:

When you said "_it_ smells delicious" for a moment I was wondering if you referred to the * and thought you were going nuts.

But seriously, let's say I´m interested in importing it to Mexico (just a dream), what virtues should I highlight, what would be the presentation (as a fruit, jam, juice, alcoholic beverage, etc.)?

Please talk like a sales man who wants to sell me a lottery ticket. You know, "if you win the lottery, you can go on vacations in Bali, buy a yacht, .."

Replying to [germex]:

The best to serve durian is in fruit, fresh fruit. the whole with the husked skin or in packed fruit flesh. When it is on its best state of the aroma. But never served them as jam or juice as it will vanishing the essence of fresh and pure durian. unless you have a fridge.

Better to serve durian as dinner desert. no more bad breath during the day !! but that is why divorce rate on marriage highly increased because of this.

You can't resist durian. durian is the king of fruit. but you won't be king after you eat this.

fart * and awaaay ..!!

did you hear that??

Replying to [BUMshells]:

So Durian is a marriage breaker (not "maker")? Hmm, there might be a niche in the market...

Dunno, just don't seem to find the right way to introduce it to Mexico.