Nearly all durian produced in the Philippines is grown in Mindanao and 70% of them comes from Davao alone. Most of them come from Calinan district in Davao City and as a result, Calinan is touted as the Durian Capital of Davao. Durian is a large, spiky fruit that is notorious for its sulfuric smell which resembles something like rotted onions. But it’s also famous for its sweet flesh, which is rich and decadent for many. It’s enough for most people to overcome the smell. Only a small minority are repulsed by both the smell and the taste. But most people are unaware that there are many varieties of durian.
There are at least 16 varieties produced in Davao, although there’s plenty more to be found that’s not commercially cultivated.
But here are the eight varieties of durian that you can find in Davao:
1. Native. This is the original durian of the country and refers to uncultivated trees. It usually has white flesh but can also have yellow. It has the strongest taste out of all the durian and preferred by many, if not for the price. Since it has larger seeds and thinner flesh, it’s more expensive to buy.
2. Graveolens. Native to Palawan, the gravoleon can also be found in Davao. It has a thick, heavy flesh that comes in three colors—red, yellow, and orange. They have an odor that’s even more pungent than regular durians. The red flesh tastes nutty and the yellow one is creamier.
3. Thornless. Distinguished by its lack of thorns, which is one of the recognizable characteristics of durian, the thornless durian is a white-fleshed kind that tastes similar to the native variant. It can weigh as much as two kilos.
4. Mamer. This is a native durian that is named after Mamerto Fernandez. It’s called a native durian by the Dabaweyos. The mamer is the best native variety in Calinan, and it has a twenty-five percent edible portion. It has a yellow flesh that’s sweet and sticky.
5. Arancillo. The Arancillo is named after former Bureau of Plant Industries (BPI) – Philfruits director Vicente Arancillo who discovered it. It’s actually a seedling of the Thai Chanee. It has a thick flesh with a smooth texture and has a strong flavor. For many Dabawenyos, this is their preferred variety. However it rots easily during the rainy season.
6. Puyat. Puyat has yellow-orange flesh with a bittersweet taste. It’s one of the larger durians, since the fruits can weigh up to seven kilos. And the tree can bear up to one hundred fruits. It’s also a seedling of the Thai Chanee and was brought to the Philippines in the ‘70s. Unlike the Arancillo, it doesn’t rot easily and it’s more preferred by farmers for cultivation.
7. Duyaya. The name is a portmanteau of Durian na Biyaya, named by the Durian King Severino Belviz. It has a thick, bright yellow flesh that’s sweet and has a milder aroma. The edible portion is around 30%.
8. Alcon Fancy This has a thick flesh in bright yellow, with an edible portion of about 40%. It has a sweet taste with slight bitterness and a mild smell. Despite the high edible portion, Alcon Fancy is rarely sold among street vendors since most people who like its taste buy directly from the farms where it’s supplied.
These are just some of the durian varieties that you can find in Davao. And there are hundreds more of durian selections that are not yet registered. For durian lovers, there’s plenty more to explore in the Durian Republic.
See more at: http://doonposaamin.ph/articles/food-to-eat/8-kinds-of-durian-in-davao-city#sthash.xptRYVRR.dpuf
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