Discover The Export Fruits: Durian and Mangosteen
Thailand has a long, ancient history of farming and agriculture. The country produces some of Southeast Asia’s favorite exotic fruits, besides a vast number of other crops. For many, Thailand is known as the land of exotic fruits.
Among the many fresh fruits it produces are two that are known by aficionados as the king and queen of fruits. Durian is the undisputed king of fruits grown in Thailand, loved by people all around Asia and exported to the world by Fresh Connect. Mangosteen is the well-deserved queen for its slightly sweet, tangy, and intoxicating flavor.
We’ll introduce you to these exotic, tropical fruits, tell you how they’re grown, how they’re eaten and what they taste like.
The King: Durian
People all over Asia gather together to throw durian parties. Part of the reason for the gatherings is that a single durian is typically too large for even a couple of people to finish, so a durian-lover will shop for a place selling the ripest durians they can find. Then, they’ll buy a few and throw a party for all their friends and family because durians have to be experienced at the height of ripeness to be truly enjoyed.
You can always spot the workers in a durian orchard in Southeast Asia. They’re the ones walking through the trees wearing sturdy hard hats like those worn by construction workers. The durian is a large, heavy and spiky fruit. It’s also possibly the world’s most valuable fruit industry. For durian lovers, the start of durian season means days of feasting on the best varieties of durian in Thailand.
An Acquired Taste
Durian is definitely an acquired taste. The fruit is not allowed on most airlines, trains and subways in Asia, nor is it allowed in many hotels. Durian has an odor that is unforgettable. However, the fruit is loved for its creamy, flavorful flesh that has almost the texture of a firm custard. The many varieties of durian are considered national treasures in Thailand, and like all national treasures, it can be expensive to enjoy the best varieties. The fruit is also rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Durian is eaten raw or cooked and features in dishes like ice cream, cakes, and smoothies. In Thailand, durian also popularly eaten with sticky rice and coconut milk or sweetened condensed milk.
The Queen: Mangosteen
Mangosteen is nicknamed the queen of fruits and is loved by almost everyone who tries it. The fruit is covered by a hard, purple shell that fits in the palm of your hand and protects the juicy white segments inside.
Mangosteen has a slightly sweet, tangy flavor that’s best enjoyed on its own, or with a medley of other fruits, including durian. Mangosteen is considered a “cold” fruit that balances the “hot” quality of the durian. Mangosteen is also known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The beginning of the rainy season in Thailand (mid-may) is the peak harvest season for the mangosteen, so you should place your order in advance to enjoy the taste of the queen of fruits.
Fragile Fruit
Mangosteen can also be one of the most expensive fruits, as it has to be picked at the right time. It doesn’t continue to ripen after being picked, and it’s extremely perishable. This is why mangosteen wasn’t exported very often until Fresh Connect rose to the challenge.
Fresh Connect: Bringing the Tropics to You!
Introducing Fresh Connect. We’re a fresh fruit and vegetable exporter from Thailand that can deliver the flavors of the tropics direct to your door in many countries around the world. The list of fruits we export includes mangosteen and durian, as well as:
- Pineapple
- Yellow mango
- Sweet green mango
- Star fruit
- Longan
- Dragon fruit
- Peeled jackfruit
- Custard apple
- Papaya
- Red & white Pomelo
- Lychee
- Passion fruit
Fresh Connect brings the exciting flavors of Thailand’s fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a variety of freeze-dried fruits. We offer bespoke packaging and curated selections, so you can enjoy bespoke deliveries. We also are certified under international standards, including:
- GMP
- HACCP
- Global GAP
- Smeta Guidelines
Fresh Connect is the best way to explore the fresh fruit flavors of Thailand without leaving home. Browse our website to place your order for immediate delivery.