Thailand introduces new ‘non-stinky’ variety of polarising durian fruit
- The ‘non-stinky’ Pak Chong-Khao Yai variety was showcased at a durian festival in Thailand last week, and was granted geographical indication status
- Thailand is the world’s leading durian exporter – totalling about US$5 billion last year amid soaring demand in China
The durian, known for its custard texture and pungent smell, is both reviled and celebrated the world over.
The Pak Chong-Khao Yai cultivar, a variety of the popular Mon Thong strain grown in northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province, was accorded geographical indication (GI) certification by Thai authorities.
Growers claimed the offshoot, which was showcased at a durian festival in Pak Chong district, is sweet and dry with soft flesh – but most importantly – lacks the strong smell.
Durian connoisseurs, including Thai beauty queens, savoured the new variant at the event co-hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
The Pak Chong-Khao Yai variety was approved as a GI product by the Department of Intellectual Property last year. A GI is a label applied to products which correspond to a specific geographical location and have characteristics or qualities attributable to that particular place – think Scotch whisky, or certain regional cheeses.
