Durian Dona is a tropical fruit that has brought great economic value to farmers. In today’s article, we will provide you with information about this durian variety, including its morphological characteristics, how to choose and buy it, and its price.
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1 What is Durian Dona?
Characteristics of Durian Dona
Durian Dona
Durian Dona is a Thai durian variety that is widely cultivated in the Central Highlands, Southeast, and Mekong Delta regions of Vietnam. This cultivar has a sparse and open canopy, with branches spreading horizontally in all four directions.
The leaves of the Durian Dona tree are long and tapered, with a dark green, glossy upper surface and a yellowish or pinkish underside. The flowers are long with short stalks, about 3-4 cm in length.
Durian Dona bears fruit regularly after about three years of planting. The fruits are oblong with a tapered tail and a slightly pointed tip. The spines are sparse and large. When ripe, the durian’s rind is light green to yellowish, very glossy, and the ridges between the segments are clearly visible.
Durian Dona has thick, dry flesh with a beautiful golden-yellow color, reminiscent of chicken fat. It has a mild, pleasant aroma and a sweet, non-bitter taste with a buttery texture.
Why is it called Durian Dona?
Durian Dona is the offspring of the Monthong durian
Thai durian varieties, including the famous Monthong durian, were introduced to Vietnam in the 1990s. Monthong durian thrives in hot and humid climates with distinct wet and dry seasons and is adaptable to various soil types. It is highly productive and well-suited to local conditions.
Recognizing the potential of the Monthong durian, Dona Techno Biotechnology Joint Stock Company embarked on a project to propagate and select the best offspring of this variety. The result was the Durian Dona, which exhibits high yield, ease of cultivation, and disease resistance.
2 Is Durian Dona Delicious?
Durian Dona has a fresh yellow color, a sweet and buttery taste, and a mild aroma
Unlike other durian varieties, Durian Dona has a mild sweetness without being overly rich. It offers a buttery texture and a subtle, pleasant fragrance that is not overpowering.
Durian Dona is ideal for those who prefer a milder durian flavor without the bitterness, and for those who find the strong aroma of durian off-putting. It is also perfect for those who want to enjoy durian without feeling overwhelmed or experiencing palate fatigue.
Additionally, the flesh of the Durian Dona is thick, dry, and non-sticky, making it easy to store for extended periods without losing its freshness and flavor.
3 Distinctive Features of Durian Dona
Durian Dona has an attractive color
Durian Dona boasts golden-yellow flesh, reminiscent of chicken fat, that is thick, dry, and mildly sweet. It does not have the bitterness associated with some durian varieties and does not cause palate fatigue when consumed in moderate quantities. While the aroma is not overpowering, it is pleasant and distinctive.
4 How to Choose Delicious Durian Dona
When selecting Durian Dona, it is essential to pay attention to the rind, flesh, and aroma to ensure you get the freshest and most delicious fruit.
Rind of the Durian
Rind of Durian Dona
Look for Durian Dona fruits that are uniformly large in size, with a rounded waist and no twisting. The stem should be fresh and green, and when pressed, it should exude a sticky resin. Ripe fruits will have a light green to yellowish rind, with visible ridges between the segments and large, evenly spaced spines.
Avoid fruits with dried-out stems or a thin, yellowish powder coating the rind, as these indicate the use of chemicals to induce ripening. Soft, discolored spines are another sign of chemical treatment.
Additionally, fruits with thick flesh will produce a solid, resonant sound when tapped, whereas fruits with thinner flesh and larger seeds will sound hollow.
Aroma
Ripe Durian Dona has a natural, subtle fragrance
Ripe Durian Dona has a natural, subtle fragrance that can be detected from a distance. On the other hand, chemically treated fruits often lack aroma or have an unnaturally faint and unpleasant smell.
Flesh of the Durian
The flesh of Durian Dona is beautifully golden
Delicious Durian Dona has golden-yellow flesh that is thick, dry, and easy to separate from the seed. It should not be sticky and should provide a sweet, buttery taste when eaten.
In contrast, chemically treated durians will have pale, sticky, or dry flesh that is difficult to separate from the seed. They will also lack the characteristic sweetness and buttery texture of fresh durian.
5 Price and Where to Buy Durian Dona
The price of Durian Dona varies depending on the harvest season
The price of Durian Dona varies depending on the region and the harvest season. Generally, whole Durian Dona fruits are sold for around 80,000-85,000 VND per kilogram, while peeled and segmented Durian Dona is priced at approximately 160,000-180,000 VND per kilogram.
You can find Durian Dona at agricultural markets, fruit shops, supermarkets, and online through e-commerce platforms and specialized durian websites. However, be sure to arm yourself with knowledge about choosing delicious durian to avoid buying unripe or chemically treated fruits!
Further Reading:
We have provided a comprehensive guide to Durian Dona, a high-quality durian variety known for its sweet, buttery flesh, golden color, and flat seeds. Enjoy this unique and delicious fruit!
How to differentiate between Ri6 and Thai Durians – a must-know for Durian lovers
To choose the perfect durian, take a look at the following characteristics that differentiate Ri6 and Thai durians.
