Trifter

Many might have known Borneo Island or Kalimantan as the land of one of the largest rain forest area in the world. But little may know that this island is also rich of exotic fruits. The most exotic are the Durians.

What kind of fruit is this Dorian?

This fruit specifically grow in South East Asia countries: Indonesia, Malay, Brunei Darussalam and Thailand. In these countries, Dorian is widely known as the King of Fruit. Dorian has a very hard and prickly skin at the outside but a very tender and creamy flesh in the inside. What makes this fruit distinct? It is the odor! Yes, this fruit is extremely smelly that it is banned in several public areas, such as hotels or hospitals. Some people describe the smell as sweet-almond like smell, but some others think the smell is as bad as rotten onion. Unlike its disagreeable smell, the taste of the flesh is very delicious. A British traveler describe in 1599 that “the Dorian is of such an excellent taste that is surpasses in flavor of the other fruits in the world”. British novelist Anthony Burgess even goes further by describing that eating Dorian is “like eating sweet raspberry blancmange in the lavatory”.

Dorian of Borneo Island

Several rare species specifically grow in Borneo Island are as follows :

Durio Kutejensis (local name : Lai)

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What differentiate this type of Dorian with others? First, it is its shape which is almost perfectly round like ball instead of the usual oval. Second, the prickly skin is poisonous; not deadly thought, but it can cause irritating burning sensation to your skin. Third, the odor is rather sweet, not so smelly like any other Dorian. So this kind of Dorian will be perfect for those who like the taste of the fruit but cannot stand the smell.

It has a golden yellow flesh and taste so sweet. Mostly this fruit grow in East Borneo

Durio Graveolens (local name : Lai Merah)

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This type of Dorian Fruit mainly grows in Malinau District, East Borneo province, Indonesia. This fruit also grow in Brunei Darussalam. Its size is relatively small for a Dorian, with weight around 250-600gram.

While most Dorian has a yellowish flesh, this type of Dorian has a daring red flesh color. In fact, this is how the Dorian got its name Lai Merah. Merah in Indonesian means red. The taste is also more delicious compare to other type of Dorian Fruit.

Durio Dulcis (local name : Lahong)

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Same with the other two types of Dorian above, this fruit also mostly grow in East Borneo. What make this fruit so unique? It is the burning red color of its skin. The shape of the fruit is quite round. Its yellow flesh is so creamy, soft and sweet just like caramel. Despite its sweet taste, the smell of this type of Dorian is very provoking.

Durio Oxleyanus (local name : Sukang)

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This type of Dorian is very much resemblance durio dulcis (lahong), but with green skin color and smaller size. The average weight is around 20-500gram, the smallest Dorian of all. It has a sweet yellow flesh but provoking smell.