Expert Guide to Buying Tropical Fruits: Durian, Jackfruit, Dragon Fruit & Longan
Tropical fruits like durian, jackfruit, sweet mangoes, dragon fruit, and longan are among the most sought-after delicacies at Asian grocery stores in America. Because imported specialty fruits command premium prices, knowing how to spot peak ripeness is essential to getting your money's worth.
1. How to Pick Ripe Durian (Monthong & Ri6)
Whether buying fresh or whole blast-frozen durians:
- Symmetry: Select evenly shaped, rounded fruits with well-defined bulging lobes. Lopsided durians usually have empty cavities on the narrow side.
- Thorns: Thorns should be broad, well-spaced, and yellowish-green. Gently squeeze two adjacent thorns together; if they have slight elasticity, the fruit inside is ripe and creamy.
- Aroma: A naturally ripe durian emits an unmistakable, sweet, rich fragrance even through its thick spiky husk.
2. Selecting Sweet Jackfruit Slices
When choosing freshly cling-wrapped jackfruit quarters, look for deep golden-orange bulbs. Avoid slices where the flesh is pale yellow and surrounded by dense white rags, which indicates premature harvesting resulting in rubbery, bland fruit.
3. Dragon Fruit and Longan
For dragon fruit (white or magenta flesh), look for vibrant, evenly colored magenta skin with pliable green leafy wings. Dried, brittle wings signify old fruit. For longan, choose clusters with golden-brown, uncracked shells and translucent, plump flesh that detaches cleanly from a small dark seed.
