Durian is not just a fruit; it is also proudly known as the ‘king of fruits’ across Southeast Asia. While some consider it to be delicious, many run away from the smell. It tastes like creamy custard, but it smells like raw onion. So yes, you get the idea.
Let’s take a quick look at why durian, which is not always a universal favourite, is considered as the ‘king of fruits.’
What is durian fruit?
Durian is a huge tropical fruit with a spiky and hard shell on the outside, while on the inside it is very soft, filled with creamy flesh and huge seeds. However, more than its flesh, durian is known for its strong smell, which is actually created due to the combination of volatile sulphur compounds, esters, and aldehydes.
There are many types of durian, but the most common one is called Durio zibethinus. Durian can sometimes be yellow or white on the inside, or even red or green.
Durian grows in warm and tropical places, so it grows most in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. A durian fruit can grow up to 30 cm long and 15 cm wide. It usually has around two cups of soft, tasty flesh that people eat.
How do you eat a durian?
Durian can be eaten in various ways. Whether you are a sweet person or a savoury person, durian can satisfy you. With durian, you can eat the flesh and the seeds if cooked. You can find durian in many edible forms such as:
- Juice
- Boiled or roasted seeds
- Soup
- Candy, ice cream, and other desserts
- As a side dish with meals
Not only that, durian is also a traditional medicine. Overall, it is worth being named as the ‘king of fruits,’ but wait, there is more.
Is durian healthy?
Of course it is. Just one cup, which is about 243 grammes of durian pulp, gives your body a lot of important nutrients such as:
- Fat
- Carbohydrates
- Fibre
- Protein
It is also packed with vitamins and minerals like:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
- Manganese
- Vitamin B6
- Potassium
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
- Copper
- Folate
- Magnesium
- Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Animals love durian too
Yes, that is right. Durian is not only loved by people but also wild animals. Big cats like leopards, panthers, and tigers go crazy for the smell of durian. Durian is a tiger’s best treat.
There is even an Indonesian story that says tigers and humans were once vegetarian brothers who shared durian. But one day, a man cut his hand while opening the fruit and the tiger tasted blood for the first time, becoming a meat-eater. Still, he never stopped loving durian.
Some farmers in Sumatra say tigers wander near durian trees during the fruiting season. This is a reminder that when the ‘king of fruits’ is ripe, a tiger might not be far behind.
Long live durian
Durian is more than just a fruit that smells bad. It is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, making it one of the healthiest fruits to eat.
Durian has captured the hearts of people and also the attention of wild animals. Whether you love it or not, there is no denying that durian has earned its crown as the ‘king of fruits.’ So next time you see a durian, pick it up and give it a try; you might just fall for a king.