Domestic durian celebrates its first market launch
Hainan Island's Sanya Yucai Ecological Zone has witnessed a significant milestone in its fruit industry as it welcomes the first-ever listing of domestic durians this year. The 1,400 acres of durian trees have been ripening since late July, offering a bountiful harvest of over 50 tonnes of the delectable fruit. Next year, the fruit area is expected to expand to a whopping 4,000 acres, solidifying Hainan's position as a prominent durian producer in China.
26 July 2023
Experts have lauded the unique sweet and fragrant characteristics of Hainan durians, noting that due to their limited plantation areas and smaller production compared to imported varieties, domestic durians face challenges in making a significant impact on the market. Nonetheless, enthusiasts of the pungent fruit are eagerly anticipating this new development and hoping for an increase in production to bring down prices.
There has been a surge in interest in domestic durian, with many sharing their thoughts and preferences on social media platforms such as Weibo. Some users have praised the sweetness and texture of Hainan durians, while others remain indifferent or even dislike the strong odor associated with the fruit.
In a recent CCTV microblogging video, experts discussed how domestic durians are typically "tree-ripe," meaning they fall naturally from the tree when fully matured, offering better quality than those picked prematurely. The practice of picking imported durians when they reach seven or eight months of maturity and transporting them as "road-ripe" has led to curiosity about how domestic varieties would fare against their foreign counterparts.
As the first listing of Hainan's domestic durians approaches, consumers eagerly await the opportunity to taste and compare these locally grown delicacies with imported varieties. The increased production could potentially lead to a more competitive market and lower prices, making the coveted fruit accessible to a wider audience.