In a number of Asian countries, durian is banned in public places due to its strong smell. In recent studies, a Bangkok university developed a liquid coating, made from natural fibers and carbon.

After drying, the coating leaves a white covering on the fruit, which can almost completely mask the smell.

“My coating will help to stop the smell because people don’t like the smell,” said Voraphat Luckanatinvong, a professor at Thammasat University.

“If the market needs only a little smell we coat one time, but some markets need no odor so we coat two or three times,” Luckanatinvong said.

The cost is low, just a few cents per durian. Moreover, this coating system also prevents the skin from cracking, which keeps durians fresh for up to two weeks.

Thailand is the biggest grower and largest exporter of durians. It produces half the world’s supply – more than 800,000 tons each season – and exports $500 million worth every year.