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Durian lovers, rejoice! Jembrana offers the best of the “King of Fruits”

• 22 November 2023
• Savor
• Jembrana

JEMBRANA, NETIZENBALI.com - If you are a fan of the durian, the spiky and smelly fruit that is either loved or hated by many, you might want to head to Jembrana, a regency in the west of Bali, where the durian season is in full swing.

From November to March, Jembrana is the place to be for durian enthusiasts, as the region boasts some of the best quality and variety of the fruit in the island.

Durian, which is native to Southeast Asia and has the scientific name Durio zibethinus, is known for its distinctive odor, which some describe as rotten, pungent, or even like gasoline. However, for those who can get past the smell, the fruit offers a rich and creamy flesh that tastes like a combination of custard, cheese, and almonds. Durian is also highly nutritious, as it contains high amounts of protein, fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and iron.

In Jembrana, durian is grown in the mountainous areas, where the climate is cooler and more suitable for the fruit. The local farmers take pride in their durian cultivation, and some of them have even developed their own varieties, such as the yellow-fleshed (durian kuning), the sweet and milky (durian susu), and the rare and expensive (durian kane), which has a reddish hue.

The average weight of a durian in Jembrana is about 1.5 kilograms, and the price ranges from 20,000 to 100,000 rupiah per kilogram, depending on the quality and type.

One of the best ways to enjoy durian in Jembrana is to visit the traditional markets, where you can find stalls selling fresh and ripe durian. You can also ask the sellers to crack open the fruit for you, so you can savor the flesh on the spot.

Alternatively, you can also find roadside vendors along the main roads, especially near the villages of Negara, Gilimanuk, and Pekutatan. Some of them even offer seating areas, where you can relax and feast on durian with your friends and family.

If you are looking for a more adventurous way to experience durian, you can also join a durian hunting tour, where you can explore the durian orchards and pick your own fruit from the trees. You can also learn more about the different varieties of durian, and how to choose the best ones.

Some of the tour operators also provide transportation, lunch, and other activities, such as visiting waterfalls, temples, and beaches.

Durian is not only a delicious fruit, but also a cultural icon in Jembrana. The locals celebrate the durian season with festivals, competitions, and rituals, such as the Durian Festival, the Durian Eating Contest, and the Durian Offering Ceremony.

These events aim to promote the durian industry, as well as to express gratitude and respect to the nature and the ancestors. If you are interested in visiting Jembrana during the durian season, you can book your accommodation at one of the many hotels, resorts, or homestays in the area. (NB)