Have you ever been confused about whether pineapple and durian are the same fruit? If you've ever been to Xiamen in China, you've probably encountered this question, especially during the harvest season when both fruits are available.

Well, let's dive into the history of pineapple and durian and clear up the confusion once and for all.

1. What's in a Name?

In academic terms, pineapple is actually called "durian". The fruit's official name is "durian," and it belongs to the Bromeliaceae family, the genus Ananas, and the species Ananas comosus. In fact, the term "durian" is the most commonly used scientific name for the fruit, as noted in the Flora of China.

So why do we call it pineapple? That's a question tied to the fruit's introduction into China. Originally, durian comes from Brazil. In the 16th century, Western colonists spread durian across the world. When it arrived in China, different regions gave the fruit different names based on local languages and cultural influences.

2. Why Two Names? It All Goes Back to Regional Differences

Mandarin didn't originally have a word for durian, so the term "pineapple" came from Cantonese. The name was chosen because the fruit resembled a smaller version of the jackfruit, which in Cantonese is known as "bo lo."

On the other hand, "durian" comes from the Hokkien dialect spoken in Taiwan and southern Fujian. The name comes from the shape of the leaves, which spread out like a phoenix's tail feathers, combined with its resemblance to a pear, hence the name phoenix pear.

So, why the confusion between pineapple and durian today? Well, although they're technically the same fruit, there has been some marketing distinction between the two over time.

3. Pineapple vs Durian: The Differences in the Market

Even though pineapple and durian are academically the same, there has been a bit of a split in the market. Traditionally, the pineapples grown in China have more internal spines, meaning you need to carve them out with a tool after peeling. These spines can be a bit of a hassle to remove.

However, in the 20th century, agricultural researchers in Taiwan developed a variety of durian that doesn't have these internal spines. This became known as "Taiwan Durian." Because of its spiny-less nature, marketers began to push the idea that "pineapple" and "durian" are different, even though the scientific name suggests otherwise.

With agricultural exchanges between Taiwan and the mainland, the improved varieties of durian have now become widely available in mainland China. So the need to call it "Taiwan Durian" has faded, as the fruit is simply seen as part of the broader durian family now.

4. How to Tell Them Apart?

We can still spot some differences between the two fruits when it comes to appearance and texture.

Leaves:

Pineapple leaves have small serrated edges that are sharp, making them prickly to touch. The leaves are also thinner and shorter. On the other hand, durian leaves are much larger, with smooth edges and no sharpness.

Internal Spines:

Traditional pineapples have small, orderly holes inside, and these holes are lined with sharp spines. These spines need to be carefully cut out before eating. Durian, on the other hand, has much fewer spines, and the fruit is much easier to prepare for consumption.

5. Different Flavors: Pineapple's Enzyme vs Durian's Sweetness

The reason pineapples can cause a tingling or burning sensation in your mouth is due to an enzyme called bromelain. This enzyme breaks down proteins and can irritate the sensitive tissues in your mouth. But the good news is, bromelain's effects can be neutralized by salt, which is why we often soak pineapples in saltwater before eating them.

Durian, however, doesn't contain bromelain. Its flesh is much sweeter and less likely to cause any discomfort when eaten raw.

6. The Bottom Line: They're the Same Fruit, Just Different Names and Varieties

Ultimately, the difference between pineapple and durian boils down to a matter of regional terminology and the cultivation of varieties. Both fruits belong to the same species and offer the same basic health benefits, such as being rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. However, their appearance, preparation methods, and specific varieties have caused them to be perceived as distinct in different parts of the world.

So next time you find yourself debating whether you're holding a pineapple or durian, remember—it's all about where the fruit came from and how it was grown. Whether you call it "pineapple" or "durian," you're still enjoying a delicious, nutritious tropical treat.

What about you, Lykkers? Are you a fan of this tropical fruit, or does the name confusion leave you scratching your head? Let us know if you've ever had the chance to taste both and what your thoughts are!