Known as the “king of fruits” in Southeast Asia, durian (grown mainly in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia) has established itself as a premium product in key export markets such as China, Taiwan and Singapore. Its unique sensory profile and high nutritional value make it highly prized. However, its high water activity and pH, intrinsic to its nature, make it particularly susceptible to spoilage and microbial growth, presenting significant preservation challenges. In this context, High Pressure Processing (HPP) emerges as a non-thermal, transformative solution.
Scientific Validation: Preserving Quality, Safety and Essential Propertie
Recent studies conducted by Southeast Asian universities such as Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) have validated the effectiveness of HPP processing applied at pressures of 400-600 MPa. The results show that this technology achieves:
- Effective pathogen inactivation: significant reduction of microbial load, between 4 and 5 log CFU/g.
- Elimination of molds and yeasts: even with mild treatments of 300 MPa for 10 minutes.
- Preservation of nutritional properties: no alterations in proteins, fats or sugars.
- Preservation of sensory attributes: retention of color and texture, crucial for shelf appeal.
- Significant reduction in enzyme activity: decrease in polygalacturonase, the enzyme responsible for undesired softening.
These findings confirm that HPP not only guarantees durian food safety, but also maintains the organoleptic and nutritional qualities that make durian such a valued product. Thus, it is positioned as a superior alternative to traditional methods such as thermal pasteurization.
Nutritional benefits drive consumer demand
Durian is a rich source of vitamin C, potassium, fiber and essential minerals. Thanks to HPP, these nutritional benefits are preserved intact. Asian consumers, increasingly interested in “fresh but safe” foods, have driven demand for minimally processed products that can be exported without loss of quality.
Innovation supported by HPP Academy
The Hiperbaric HPP Academia network, which brings together Universities and R&D Centers in Asia, Europe and the Americas, has played a key role in generating technical data and validation protocols. This strategic collaboration enables companies to market durian-based products under safe and stable conditions, even in markets with stringent regulations such as China, the United States and the European Union. To learn more about these regulations, please visit our articles on the web.
From Logistical Challenge to Global Premium Opportunity
Thanks to high-pressure technology, durian is transformed from a challenging product into a safe food with global export potential and high added value. This breakthrough not only allows consumers to enjoy the sensory intensity of durian, but also opens new avenues to reduce waste, increase sustainability and professionalize processing on an international scale.
Duria Manufacturing, Home’s Favourite and other regional leaders
Companies such as Duria Manufacturing (Malaysia), Home’s Favourite (Singapore) and a growing number of processors in China and Southeast Asia have adopted Hiperbaric HPP technology in their operations. In this way they process durian in different formats, mainly pulp and paste, ensuring quality and safety. Currently, it is estimated that there are at least 8 Hiperbaric machines processing durian, some of them dedicated exclusively to this fruit, in response to its particular preservation requirements.
Below, we invite you to watch the full presentation detailing the technical aspects and industrial applications of HPP in durian, which took place during the last HPP Innovation Week held by Hiperbaric.
