Don't Invest In Gold, Put Your Money In Durian

America has recently been introduced to the King of Fruit through brief encounters (google Jimmy Kimmel durian). But the strong opinion inducing South East Asian fruit has more to it than the spiky exterior and pungent smell. Here are some interesting facts.

1. One of the most expensive fruit in the world

Coming in at over $30 per kilogram which could mean close to $100 per fruit ranks the durian as one of the most expensive fruits in the world. This price is usually reserved for the Mao Shan Wang, the highest quality of the more than 200 commercially produced varieties.

2. The Chinese are going crazy for the fruit

Via bloomberg.com

The Chinese are flooding Malaysia, one of the main producers, for the taste of the fruit. The imports of frozen durian have topped $1billion in China. In Mainland the fruit can fetch about $15 per small pieces (about 1/8th of the fruit). Durian pictured above are ready to be nitrogen frozen and shipped to China.

3. It's a great alternative investment

Via bloomberg.com

A durian farm with fruit-bearing trees (at least 6 years old) can fetch about $40,000 per hectare, which is many multiples more than oil palm plantations (the other very popular crop in Malaysia and Indonesia). But do not be deceived that this durian is easy money - it is one of the most difficult fruits to grow, requiring lots of care and attention.

4. All you can eat buffet

Malaysians and Singapores are so in love with the King of Fruit that they will seek out opportunities to savor it as much as they can. Buffets are very popular and can go for as much as $50 per hour depending on how good the season. To have a taste for yourself, check out: https://www.seeksophie.com/activities/durian-farm Make sure it's durian seasons (July to August and November to January).

5. The favorite fruit of the orangutan

Via straitstimes.com

The king of fruit is the favorite treat not just of South East Asians and Chinese but also of the orangutan. The Borneo jungle's orangutan population has significantly decreased (recent study findings: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2018/02/15/the-worlds-orangutan-population-shrank-by-half-in-the-last-16-years/?utm_term=.f7a15cd58f75) in part that much of the animal's food sources has been lost to logging and palm oil planting. Many places in Borneo such as the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary have planted durian trees along the river to replenish the food source for these great apes.