Davao Durian and other Tropical Fruits
Posted by on September 2, 2008
Several towns cities and provinces in the Philippines are known for their signature foods and products.
Baguio is nothing without the strawberries. General Santos City for its fresh tuna. Batangas for its coffee. Bacolod for its inasal. Cebu is known for its otap. And Davao? Durian and some other tropical fruits.
Since time immemorial, Davao has been known as the source of the king of tropical fruits: durian. Durian is known for its pungent smell, and the melt-in-your-mouth texture of its fruit. Many are turned off by its strong odor.
While I was still wandering around Davao, I asked around, and discovered that there are several varieties of Durian in Davao. Each has its own unique characteristics. But all of the locals agree that the best source of Durian in Davao is in Calinan.
Calinan is around 30 minutes drive away from the Davao City Center. Calinan has a fertile land that is perfect for growing fruits like durian, mangosteen, pomelo and marang and rambutan..
Arguably the best and the sweetest pomelo in the country is from Davao. Weird looking tropical fruits like rambutan and marang are widely available in the region. Rambutan is a hairy red fruit, where its edible section resembles lychees.
Marang on the other hand looks like a smaller version of jackfruit but doesn?t have the spikes. It?s skin can be likened to a thick paintbrush. It also has a pungent smell but not as strong as the durian?s. And its seeds are much smaller than jackfruit.
In Davao City, the best place to get these tropical fruits is none other than the Magsaysay Market. Although they are also available in other markets, the Magsaysay Market is known to have a better stocks, more variety and cheaper price.
When I went there, I have seen several small tables lined up just beside the street. Later I realized it is for market visitors who wish to eat fresh fruits right there at the market. The locals enjoy eating fresh durian right at the Magsaysay Market. Beverages are also available like sodas, colas, or bottled water.
hehe nice Eric have you tried marang? yup Calinan have the best durian and it should be the native one!
wow sarap ng durian!
Yes, Davao produces the best Fruits and Vegetables in the world. But don’t say it too loud. Tourists may just come and eat them all. Let’s keep it a secret that Davao is Paradise on Earth!
I love cooking with Tuna, you can a immense diversity of meals. However I am worried about mass fishing especially in regions such as the Atlantic Ocean. I only purchase from sustainable fishing sources these days. Hopefully the popular movement will go that way so that next generations can relish outstanding Tuna dishes.
durian is a very versatile fruit. it can be processed and made into delicious treats and candies. there are a lot of small businesses that sell durian products, such as Apo ni Lola Durian Delicacies (i believe the owner is related to Lola Abon).
they have interesting durian candies, some with peanuts and mallows, and even durian soft ice cream. quite interesting and sounds delicious, no?
(durian lover in me speaking)
for reference, their website is at Apo ni Lola Durian