The Durian Drama: Are High Prices Justified for Less-than-Perfect Fruits?
The drama unfolded after a durian review video by Hoàng Anh Panda went online. In the video, he mentioned that he had purchased the durians from a live stream sale hosted by Thiện Nhân, a popular TikToker with 1.2 million followers. According to Hoàng Anh Panda, the durians were of the Thai Monthong variety, and he paid approximately 300,000 VND for two fruits.
When he cut open the durians, he found that the seeds were quite large, and the texture was crisp and crunchy, typical of Thai durians. He also commented that the flavor was sweet and delicious, but to suit his personal preference, he would have preferred to let the fruits ripen a few more days or soak them in “bò cụng” (a popular carbonated energy drink) to enhance the taste.
Hoàng Anh Panda reviews durians purchased from Thiện Nhân’s TikTok live stream
He describes the seeds as small but with a crisp, buttery texture, characteristic of Thai durians
However, the real drama began in the comment section, where numerous netizens criticized Thiện Nhân for selling overpriced durians. The two fruits that Hoàng Anh Panda bought were small and not aesthetically pleasing in terms of shape. Moreover, durian connoisseurs commented that the seeds did not look appealing.
Many people who have bought or sold durians expressed that these types of fruits are usually not offered to customers. Additionally, given that it is the peak season for durians, the high price of 300,000 VND for two tiny fruits surprised netizens.
The small size and high price of the durians sparked criticism towards Thiện Nhân for overcharging
In response to the mixed reactions and constant mentions, Thiện Nhân provided a direct response in Hoàng Anh Panda’s video. The TikToker clarified that these were mini durians, weighing 2.5 kg for the two fruits, and the price was explicitly stated on his channel. Additionally, Thiện Nhân also made a separate video to address the situation.
According to Thiện Nhân, Hoàng Anh Panda’s introduction of the durians without mentioning their variety caused some confusion. “I have to clarify that I bought the mini variety, and its name should be stated. Otherwise, it’s unfair to the seller,” Thiện Nhân stated. He emphasized that during his live streams, he always pinned the codes for each type of durian he sold. For the mini durians, he sold them by weight and not individually, with 1 kg priced at 85,000 VND.
Regarding the criticism of the high price, Thiện Nhân explained that selling on e-commerce platforms incurs various costs, including platform fees and packaging expenses for agricultural products, which inevitably affects the final price.
Thiện Nhân clarifies that he sold mini durians and that the prices were transparent
He emphasizes that the prices were clearly stated, and it’s a matter of willing buyers and sellers
Thiện Nhân also shared that he had encountered challenges selling durians online and has since switched to live stream sales. This way, customers can see each durian and place orders accordingly. It’s a matter of customers’ preferences and acceptance of the prices for different varieties, he added.
Controversy Over Hoàng Anh Panda’s Statement on Soaking Durians in a Carbonated Drink
Apart from the discussions about the prices of mini durians, many people also reacted to Hoàng Anh Panda’s statement about soaking durians in a carbonated drink to enhance their flavor. Although he emphasized that this was his personal opinion and preference, it sparked a debate.
“I think durians taste better when soaked. Otherwise, they might not ripen evenly. Nowadays, there’s a safer method of soaking them in a carbonated drink,” Hoàng Anh Panda said in the clip.
When questioned about this statement, he explained that not everyone has the opportunity to eat durians freshly picked from the tree. “Regarding the soaking method, any approved and permitted chemicals are used. I don’t think anyone would use something harmful. I rarely eat durians, so I’m also concerned about this issue,” he added.
Hoàng Anh Panda soaks one durian in a carbonated drink to compare the flavors
His statement sparked controversy among viewers
He further added, “Whether durians are soaked or not, the farmers would know. In general, we eat what’s available, and if we know of any soaking practices, we can limit our consumption. If anyone knows of a place that sells trustworthy durians that aren’t soaked and are of good quality, please let me know.”
Amid the mixed reactions, some people agreed with Hoàng Anh Panda’s viewpoint. Several viewers who are durian farmers or have experience in the durian business shared that growing durians is challenging, and farmers often have to spray chemicals to ensure the fruits grow evenly and look appealing.
Here are some comments from the online community:
– “If we don’t spray chemicals, the fruits won’t grow or will be of poor quality. Generally, durians are cut down before they fully ripen on the tree, as they will fall and crack when ripe, which affects their taste. They might even taste bitter.”
– “Soaking durians in chemicals is done to ensure even ripening, and these chemicals are officially approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.”
– “Some sellers will specify whether their durians are soaked in chemicals or naturally fallen. If you’re concerned, you can opt for naturally fallen durians.”
– “While I won’t comment on whether soaking durians makes them taste better, it’s common for agricultural products to undergo this process to ensure quality.”
– “Soaking durians in chemicals is not unusual. The chemicals used are approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and if used correctly, they are safe.”
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