Durian is a highly delicious, attractive, and popular fruit. This article explores the duration of the durian season, including the start and end dates.
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1. When is the durian season?
Durian season
The durian season lasts all year in our country. However, the specific harvesting times vary depending on the region and climate. Here are the main harvest seasons for different areas:
- March – May: The main harvest season in the West, with limited volume due to a small planting area.
- April – July: The main harvest season in Eastern provinces like Dong Nai and Duc Linh (Binh Thuan).
- May – July: The main harvest season in areas like Tay Ninh and Binh Phuoc, with provinces such as Phuoc Long, Binh Long, and Loc Ninh harvested earlier than Bu Dang, Da Hoai, and Da Te areas (Lam Dong).
- July – August: Dak Nong area is the main harvest season, with Bu Dang being the earliest harvested region and Dak-mil, Cu-jut being the latest.
- August – September: Dak Lak area is the main harvest season, with Buon Me Thuot, Krong Pack, Krong Nang being the earliest and Krong Buk, E”Hleo area being the latest.
- September – October: The main harvest season in Gia Lai province.
- October – November: Bao Loc area is the main harvest season, with the durian price being relatively high during the off-season due to a small planting area.
- November – March of the following year: The off-season in the West.
2. Characteristics of the durian season
Characteristics of the durian season
The start of the durian season may vary depending on factors such as drought, rainfall, and weather conditions in the durian growing area. The fruit may ripen earlier during dry periods and later during prolonged storms, cold weather, and late dry seasons. Additionally, different durian varieties also have different harvest seasons. For example, the Ri6 variety usually starts harvesting 25-30 days earlier than the Thai variety.
3. Characteristics of durian prices by season
Characteristics of durian prices by season
In areas with limited durian planting areas located in remote inland regions, the prices tend to remain high throughout the year, except for certain holidays and Tet. In Eastern provinces with poor soil and limited planting area due to the presence of other fruit trees and urban and industrial development, prices fluctuate based on the harvest volume and fruit quality. In the Central Highlands provinces such as Dak Nong, Dak Lak, and Gia Lai, where there is a large cultivation area, durian prices also face slight risks and fluctuations due to transportation and export challenges.
4. How to identify ripe durian
Ripe durian
Ripe durian can be identified by certain characteristics:
- Shape of the fruit: Ripe durian has a more rounded shape with increased thorn density on the skin. Typically, it takes about 3.5 months after blooming for the durian to ripen.
- Lines on the fruit skin: As the fruit ripens, the lines on the skin, running from the stem to the apex, start to separate.
- Stem and trunk: Ripe durian exhibits larger stems and trunks compared to before ripening.
- Fragrance of the fruit: Ripe durian emits a distinctive and fragrant smell. It is recommended to store durian in a cloth after harvest to prevent spoilage.
Additional reference: How to identify ripe durian through simple signs
Based on the fruit bearing time
From the time the durian bears fruit until it ripens, it usually takes about 100-120 days. However, the ripening time can vary based on the tree variety, natural conditions, climate, and cultivation methods.
Determining the durian season based on fruit bearing time
Based on the ripe fruit cluster on the tree
To determine the first ripe durian crop, you can rely on the ripe fruit clusters, which are the first fruits to show signs of ripening on the tree. Based on these clusters, you can determine the subsequent ripening batches and the appropriate harvest time according to your requirements.
- Signs of ripe fruit cluster: The fruit ripens approximately 100 to 110 days after the tree blooms.
- Fully ripe fruit: After the ripe fruit cluster appears for 10 to 15 days, all remaining fruits on the tree will ripen completely.
5. Durian harvest time
Durian harvest time
Once you are aware of the durian season and the characteristics of ripe durian, you can adjust the harvest time based on your intended use. For consuming fresh durian, it is advisable to harvest the fruit approximately 2 days before it ripens. If you need to transport the durian over long distances for sale, it is recommended to harvest it before it ripens, typically 4 to 8 days prior.
6. Durian harvesting methods
Durian harvesting methods
The suitable harvesting method for durian depends on factors such as tree height, tree age, etc. Harvesters often use specialized knives or machetes to cut the durian fruit.
In conclusion, the above information provides insights into the durian season, durian harvest timing, and methods. We hope you find this information helpful.