Ri6 Durian (Durio zibethinus) belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is a durian variety widely cultivated in Vietnam, particularly in the Mekong Delta and several areas of southeastern Vietnam. The fruit is generally medium-sized, oval to slightly elongated, with green skin, relatively dense spines and pointed tips. The flesh is deep yellow to golden yellow, thick, soft, creamy and rich, with a distinctly sweet flavor and characteristic aroma.
Characteristic Features
The fruit is oval or slightly elongated and generally medium in size. The peel is divided into distinct sections and covered with relatively evenly distributed spines with firm, pointed tips.
The skin ranges from green to greenish-brown depending on maturity and is relatively thick and firm. The stem is firm and may develop a light brown color as the fruit reaches suitable maturity.
The flesh is deep yellow to golden yellow, with thick segments and a soft, creamy and relatively smooth texture. The seeds are generally small to medium in size, with a relatively high flesh-to-seed ratio. Both underdeveloped and normally developed seeds may occur depending on the individual fruit.
Fruit at suitable maturity should have fully developed flesh with characteristic yellow coloration and a soft, creamy texture, without abnormal firmness, excessive mushiness or watery areas. The peel should be free from cracking, decay and significant insect damage.
Acceptable raw material should be fresh and intact, without bruising, decay, mold or abnormal odors. The flesh should not be excessively dry, hard, underdeveloped, watery or discolored.
Flavor & Texture
The flesh is soft, thick, creamy, smooth and rich. It has a distinctly sweet flavor with moderate richness and a characteristic durian aroma. Good-quality fruit should not have abnormal sourness, bitterness or fermented odors.
Uses and Applications
Used for fresh consumption after removing the peel and separating the edible flesh.
Can be used as an ingredient in durian ice cream, smoothies, sweet soups, cakes, mooncakes and other desserts.
The edible flesh can be separated, packaged and refrigerated or frozen for use in various durian-based food preparations.
Nutritionally, durian provides energy, carbohydrates, fat, protein, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals; nutritional composition varies according to variety and maturity.
