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

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Thailand growers have created a version of durian that lacks the pungent odour that makes the fruit famous. Photo: Shutterstock/File

Published: 5:20pm, 19 Jul 2022Updated: 5:25pm, 19 Jul 2022

The durian, known for its custard texture and pungent smell, is both reviled and celebrated the world over.

But those who cannot stand the stinging aroma have a reason to cheer as a “non-stinky” variety of the thorny fruit was introduced last week in Thailand.

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.