The findings from this research present exciting possibilities for various applications, including natural food stabilizers, probiotic beverages, and enhanced sustainability, as durian seeds could be redirected from waste. Moreover, stabilizers derived from durian seeds would be plant-based, making them suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to avoid animal-derived stabilizers like gelatin. Despite its strong odor, the popularity of durian fruit has been on the rise, with China emerging as a significant import market. In 2016, China reportedly imported 48% of Thailand’s durian production and 73% of Malaysia’s, while Asian communities in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. have also contributed to increased consumption. This surge has resulted in the disposal of hundreds of millions of durian seeds, highlighting the importance of finding new uses to mitigate waste.
As noted by Food Ingredients First, gelatin and gum arabic, sourced from the acacia tree, are commonly employed to stabilize products like soft candies and sweeteners to ensure a consistent texture and blend ingredients that would otherwise separate. Chen explained that the three-year research initiative was inspired by climate challenges affecting future food production, indicating that upcycling food byproducts, such as durian seeds, could offer viable solutions. Additionally, climate change poses a threat to acacia tree harvests, making it crucial to identify alternative and more sustainable stabilizer sources.
The probiotics market is also anticipated to maintain its growth trajectory. Recently, gut-friendly bacteria have appeared in a variety of products, ranging from yogurt to baked goods and tea. According to MarketsandMarkets, the probiotics sector is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 7%, reaching a market value of $69.3 billion by 2023. If these research findings can be successfully commercialized, they may offer numerous advantages. Statistics from Food Navigator reveal that China’s Ministry of Commerce estimates the market in that country to be valued at approximately $22.3 million, with many new durian products flooding Asian markets. Incorporating durian seed-derived stabilizers could enhance the nutritional profile of products by providing essential nutrients such as calcium and calcium citrate. These applications, along with cost benefits and waste diversion features, will be valuable assets for the future.