Durian

Also known asDurio zibethinus · 榴莲 · King of Fruits

Name: Durian (Durio zibethinus), often called the “king of fruits” in Southeast Asia. Popular varieties include Musang King and D24 from Malaysia and Monthong from Thailand. The species name zibethinus is linked to the civet, an animal said to love the fruit.

Description

Durian is native to Borneo and Sumatra, and grows wild in the rainforests of Southeast Asia, where it has been eaten for centuries. Today Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia are major producers, and demand is especially strong in China. The fruit is large, heavy and covered in sharp thorns, and can weigh several kilograms.

Durian is famous for its powerful smell, which people describe as either wonderful or revolting, often compared to sweet custard mixed with sulphur or old onions. It is banned from many hotels, public transport and public places in Southeast Asia because of this. The flesh is thick, creamy and rich, with a flavour like almond custard, sweet cheese and caramel.

Main nutrition value

Durian is an unusually energy-dense fruit, high in carbohydrate and fat, and also provides vitamin C, potassium, B vitamins and fibre.

How best to be consumed

Durian is best eaten fresh and ripe, ideally soon after the fruit is opened.

1. Open carefully along the seams with a sturdy knife or let the ripe fruit split naturally, and scoop out the pods.
2. Eat the creamy flesh fresh, spitting out the large seeds, which are not eaten raw.
3. Use in desserts, such as ice cream, cakes, sticky rice and pastries.
4. Eat in modest portions, since durian is rich and filling.
5. Store opened fruit sealed tightly in the fridge or freezer to contain the smell.

Overconsumption could cause…

Durian is safe for most people but very rich, and is traditionally treated with some caution.

1. Weight gain and high calorie intake if eaten in large amounts.
2. Blood sugar rises in people managing diabetes, because of the fruit's sugar and energy content.
3. A “heaty” sensation, sore throat or stomach upset, which traditional belief links to eating too much, particularly with other heating foods.
4. Traditional warnings against combining durian with alcohol, which have some support in lab findings, though evidence in people is limited, so it is sensible to avoid heavy combinations.

GroupsTropical FruitsLow sodiumSoutheast AsianFresh

Related foodsStar Fruit / CarambolaCalamansiDragon Fruit / PitayaLangsat / DukuMangosteenRambutan

Wikipedia — Durian, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durian