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Fruit That Smells Bad Is Coveted in Asia, Has High Commercial Value, and Is Already Sparking Interest in Brazil
Considered a symbol of Asian gastronomy, the fruit that smells bad draws attention for an unusual contrast: while its strong odor resembles rotten eggs, the high price and nutritional value turn it into a true treasure. Even with its appearance similar to jackfruit, this tropical fruit has a unique taste and medicinal properties that have made it a cultural phenomenon in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
In Brazil, the durian is still rare, but it is beginning to attract the interest of consumers and producers—especially in regions with humid climates. Amid the strangeness caused by its odor and the search for its therapeutic effects, the fruit has gained the status of a valuable eccentricity in selected markets.
Why Does Durian Have Such a Strong Smell?
A study published by the National Library of Medicine identified that the intense odor of durian comes from volatile sulfur compounds, whose combination results in an aroma compared to onion, garlic, and rotten egg. The intensity is such that the fruit is prohibited in hotels, airports, and public transport in several Asian countries unless it is sealed in packaged containers.
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The government aims to reach 700 open markets for agriculture by the end of the year and has already opened 594 since 2023, with 29 products released in 9 countries in April.
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Guava producers in Rio Grande do Sul are discarding tons of fruit because the buying companies have simply stopped accepting the production, even with one of the best harvests in recent years, while consumers are paying increasingly higher prices.
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At the same time that a traditional farmer plants lettuce in the field and waits up to 90 days for the harvest, a single Japanese factory produces 30,000 heads of lettuce per day, without soil, without pesticides, and not dependent on the season, with automated harvesting that surprises the world.
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After soybeans, producers in the northwestern region of São Paulo are betting on sorghum in areas of up to 900 hectares and see the crop as a more economical and climate-resistant solution to ensure income, even with challenges of rain, drought, and lack of storage facilities.
This logistical limitation has made durian mainly sold on the streets, directly at farmers’ markets and fruit stalls. Nevertheless, its consumption remains high, especially among locals who see the fruit as a culinary and medicinal heritage.
How Much Does the Fruit That Smells Bad Cost and Why Is It Worth So Much?
The durian can exceed R$800 in Brazil when sold as an adult seedling, according to producer Edilson Giacon from Limeira (SP), who specializes in rare fruits. The fresh fruit is very rare here, but highly valued by Asian consumers, who can pay a premium to find it at specific markets like in the Liberdade neighborhood in São Paulo.
Its value comes from both the low supply and the health benefits: the pulp of durian has antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and even anti-obesity properties. It also aids the immune, digestive, and cardiovascular systems, as well as helps in cases of insomnia, anxiety, and stress.
Where Is Durian Cultivated?
The durian is native to Tropical Regions of Southeast Asia and requires humid climate, frequent rains, and high temperatures. In Brazil, it is cultivated on a small scale, primarily by enthusiasts and producers of exotic fruits in coastal or dense forest regions. The plant takes about 5 years to bear fruit, which also raises its cost and rarity.
For those wishing to plant, it is essential to ensure an environment with high humidity year-round in addition to investing in quality seedlings. According to Giacon, a seedling of 80 centimeters costs around R$350, but the price can double for more developed trees.
What Is the Taste of Durian Like?
Despite the unpleasant smell, the taste of the fruit divides opinions. For some, the pulp is sweet and resembles vanilla with nuts. For others, the flavor is akin to caramelized onion with garlic and sugar. This sensory dichotomy reinforces the fascination with durian, which has been described by writers and chefs as “the most dangerous and delicious fruit in the world.”
On the Asian palate, durian is an ingredient in various desserts, such as ice creams, cookies, cakes, and beverages. It can also be eaten raw or incorporated into savory dishes in fermented versions.
Is It Worth Trying Durian?
From a nutritional standpoint, durian is extremely rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, and bioactive compounds. However, limited access and the strong smell may deter the uninitiated. For those who value exotic fruits, intense experiences and medicinal properties, it is worth the investment—and the olfactory challenge.
Do you think the smell compromises it or that the taste makes up for it? Have you seen this fruit in Brazilian markets? Share your experience in the comments—we want to know if durian attracts or repels you.
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