Durian Fruit - “The stinky king of fruits is the durian. How to choose, how to open and eat, how to try to avoid the smell and some other facts that are better to know in advance.”

Today on the website we will talk about the exotic durian fruit, its specific smell and taste, beneficial properties and possible harm for health.

Where does durian grow?

The tree on which the durian grows (see photo) belongs to the Malvaceae family. The fruit considers Malaysia its homeland, but is grown throughout Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and southern Thailand and is rarely exported.

What does durian smell like - the fruit from Hell?

Although durian (loosely translated as "thorn") has a mild, sweet taste, it also has a pungent odor that has been compared to the smell of Limburger cheese. For this reason, fruit is prohibited on public transport in some places. This dissonance evokes a lot of conflicting emotions among Russian tourists.

By the way, it is prohibited to take it out of the country; even unripe fruit stinks the entire plane.

The natives have a saying about the king of fruits, durian:

Hell outside, heaven inside!

The awesome smell of sulfur with a hint of rotten fish knocks you off your feet; some, in order to still try this exotic, hold their nose while swallowing the juicy and tasty pulp. The consistency is similar to soft melted cheese. There is a dark bone just inside.

Note! If there is almost no smell, then the fruit is not ripe, the smell is tolerable - you can eat it, the aroma knocks you off your feet - the fruit is overripe.

Durian taste

There are discrepancies about the taste of durian, some feel the taste of cheese and nuts, others find something from, and, there are connoisseurs who have found the taste of vanilla... There are connoisseurs who have felt the taste of ice cream, which is very buttery, however.

The inner pulp can be eaten at various stages of ripeness and used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. The seeds can also be eaten by roasting them.

From all that has been said above, it is clear that durians do not store for a long time; they must be eaten quickly and preferably in the fresh air.

Composition and calorie content of durian

147 cal per 100 g of product - calorie content exotic fruit.

It contains a lot of vitamins B, C, A, nicotinic acid, phosphorus, iron, calcium, organic sulfur, and quite a lot of fructose and sucrose.

Useful properties of durian

What are the benefits of durian?

Great source of energy

One serving of this fruit is 243 grams, and it covers about 20% of your daily carbohydrate needs. Some people don't eat them due to diet, but runners, athletes and people looking for extra energy may find good use for carbohydrates. A measly five servings of this fruit will replenish a person with energy for the whole day.

Large supply of fiber

One of the advantages of durian fruit is its high content. Each serving contains about nine grams of fiber, which is 37% of a person's daily needs (based on a 2,000-calorie diet).

There are many fruit cocktails and even if a person consumes them in decent quantities, he will not be able to replenish such an amount. If you need help getting your fiber intake on a regular basis, durian is a great choice. good option for this.

High in fat and calories

One serving of Durian fruit contains over 350 calories and 13 grams of fat. Luckily, this is a harmless type of fat, so there's no need to worry about it. However, it would be better not to consume too much large number of this fruit.

Sulfur, which gives such a charming smell, nevertheless brings health benefits in durian - it stabilizes normal blood glucose levels, has antioxidant properties - preventing cancer, preventing aging, accelerating metabolism and cleansing the body of toxins.

Durian fruit contains a lot of vitamin C

When eating the fruit, a person receives the same effects that he would get from the vitamin C in other fruits. This includes fighting colds as an antipyretic, aiding in wound healing, and improving blood circulation. Durian fruit has many health benefits due to its high amount of ascorbic acid.

There's also quite a lot of vitamin B

Vitamin B helps control free radicals, and the fruit also prevents aging and heart disease. It increases cholesterol levels ( good cholesterol) and may even help improve levels of serotonin, known to elevate mood and relieve stress.

Large reserves of copper and iron

Durians are different high content iron and copper. Copper and iron are essential for the formation and creation of healthy red blood cells. Tropical fruits also contain manganese, which helps with bone and skin health.

Rich in potassium

Durian contains a lot of potassium, and potassium is an important electrolyte that helps control blood pressure, sodium levels, and regulates heart rate.

Presence of tryptophan in fruit

This component can be obtained from such products as: red and black caviar, salmon, cod, pollock, chocolate and so on. You can also get tryptophan from Durian fruit.

This chemical substance metabolized into various neurotransmitters and may help in induce sleep and even be a treatment for epilepsy. However, you should not stop taking your medications.

Good Source of Thiamine

If a person needs more thiamine, the durian fruit may be that source. It contains about 30% of your daily recommended intake in just one serving. Thiamine can help the body convert carbohydrates into energy, thereby maintaining healthy muscles and nerves.

Large amount of folic acid

Finally, Durian fruits have a lot of . It may help prevent heart disease and even helps proper operation brain One serving contains about 20% of your daily folic acid intake.

Has anthelmintic properties

Contributes increase potency

Noted relieving inflammatory reactions skin

Helps boost immunity

Durian fruit has been around for hundreds of years, but is just beginning to gain popularity around the world. There are many health benefits of durian, but one must be sure that a person does not consume the fruit in large quantities.

Durian fruit is rich in many vitamins and beneficial properties for the body, but can cause weight gain if consumed in excess.

How to eat durian

After cutting with a cleaver, carefully remove the slices of pulp. You can eat it with your hand, or with a spoon, you just need to take into account that the smell from the skin of your hand will follow you for some time.

If you get an unripe fruit, you can cut it into pieces and fry it with spices - it will be original addition over pasta or rice. The seeds can also be roasted and used as a seasoning for main dishes.

Of all the known fruits, it is the durian that has earned such polar characteristics. And it is even impossible to imagine how true they are. The smell of durian is so disgusting that it is not allowed into hotels, shops, elevators, taxis and other public places. Even with there is a special sign- durian crossed out with a red line. This means that entry with it is prohibited. After all, even after the fruit is eaten, such a “aroma” remains in the room that it for a long time can't be evaporated by any cosmetics. For the same reason, durian is not subject to long-term storage and transportation.

What epithets are used to describe its aroma! The smell of decaying flesh, rotten onions, dirty socks, toilet, rotten eggs... An Englishman who visited Siam in the 19th century describes his impressions of the durian aroma as follows: “it’s akin to eating herring with blue cheese over an open sewer manhole.”

And after all this he is called the “king of fruits”?! Is this really possible? Perhaps, the Thais and Malaysians answer, if, after holding your nose and overcoming your disgust, you still try the durian pulp. And only then will you understand how “divine” its taste is. Thais claim that durian is actually sweet in taste and similar to custard from eggs and milk. According to the famous naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, “Tasting durian is a radically new experience, and a trip to the East is worth it. The more you eat durian, the less you want to be distracted by anything else.” And in general for true gourmets this fruit proudly occupies one of the places of honor among such famous “fragrant” delicacies as Chinese “rotten” eggs, Swedish surströmming and the famous Roquefort cheese, covered with green mold...

The name of the fruit comes from the Malay word "duri" (thorn) and the Malay suffix "an", which means "thorny fruit". The homeland of durian is Indonesia, Thailand, India, Ceylon, Indochina, and the Philippines. By the way, it is believed that the most delicious durians grow on plantations near Bangkok in Thailand. It is also cultivated on plantations in central Africa and Brazil. Typically, a mature fruit weighs 2-3 kg, has 15-25 cm in diameter and 20-30 cm in length. It grows in large trees. It reaches a height of 15-20 meters, produces the first fruits already at 8-10 years old. And then bears fruit all year round. Blooms for less than eight hours: bright white flowers open at dusk and fall by dawn. They say they are pollinated by bats. Under no circumstances should the fruit be picked. Once ripe, it should fall on its own. If a durian falls on your head (God forbid!), it won’t seem too small. Individual fruits the size of a good soccer ball weigh about 10 kg. Moreover, they have sharp thorns.

Not ripe fruits local population cooks like boiled vegetables as part of different dishes, and ripe fruits are really a refined dessert of exceptional taste with a wide range nutrients. This fruit rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fats and vitamins. Durian pulp contains a lot B complex vitamins, and the amount of vitamin C is much greater than that found in a sweet orange. And his specific smell attributed to the presence of organic sulfur, the healing properties of which are just being studied.

A good durian has a sweet flavor, a smooth texture, and a rich, custard-like flavor reminiscent of banana, mango, pineapple, overripe papaya and vanilla. The disgusting smell comes from the thick prickly peel, studded with thorns of a threatening appearance and size. Inside, the fruit is divided into segments with white walls, each section contains three or four large shiny seeds from beige to bright yellow (depending on the variety and ripeness of the durian). They will reward with their taste everyone who can cope with the smell. Beginning gourmets and tourists most often come to the aid of a seller who can advise the right fruit - not overripe or rotten on the side, not with clots, because they usually smell strongly of hydrogen sulfide, and not underripe.

It is most convenient to eat durian with a spoon, otherwise the ingrained smell cannot be washed off with any soap. Out of habit, for the first time, durian is eaten in the same way as drinking vodka. First they exhale the air from themselves, and then sharply bring the fruit to their mouth. By the way, you should not drink durian with strong alcoholic drinks. It is not compatible with them, but for some reason many tourists neglect this advice and then suffer from severe stomach irritation. An example can be taken from the local residents; they wash down the delicacy with ordinary salted water, which is poured into the empty cup-shaped half of a giant shell.

Durian is so filling that if you eat a “slice” in the morning, you can easily have it until dinner. At the same time, there is not even a slight feeling of hunger.

The people of South Asia value durian for its great taste And medicinal properties, but they buy it very rarely and most often for children, since this delicacy is sold at a fairly high price. For example, in the UK, durian can be bought for about 15-25 pounds, in the USA - for 5-20 dollars, and in Thailand itself, even in season, small piece pulp sells for no less than 70 baht (about 3 US dollars).

But the price doesn't stop tourists curious about new tastes. An illustration of getting to know durian can be the story of a certain Russian tourist, who emotionally and colorfully shared on the Internet his feelings about this strange fruit: “Do you know what onions smell like? What about a rotten onion? What about the vegetable warehouse where all the onions are rotten? This is the smell that spread from this delicacy. I already had tears in my eyes. If I were offered such a dish at a party, I would not touch it. But now, out of sheer stubbornness, I had to try at least a small piece. Holding my nose and closing my eyes, I pinched off a piece of the oily paste that made up the inside of the durian. And then I experienced culture shock. It tasted like the most delicate, sweet cream, reminiscent of the sweetest varieties of dried apricots mixed with cream and chocolate. And only somewhere in the background is a slight taste of baked onions. Out of surprise, I unclenched my nose and immediately spat out this disgusting thing... But, it was too tasty... In general, I ate it to the end, holding my nose.”

In the ranking of the most unusual fruits in the world, the first place is probably occupied by the exotic durian fruit. This fruit has very unusual qualities, some of which still remain a mystery to scientists.

Durian (lat. Durio) is a genus of plants in the Malvaceae family, which includes about 30 species. The trees are large, weakly branched, evergreen, with supporting roots and simple leaves. The flowers are large, white or red, develop on trunks (caulifloria) or large branches (ramifloria), open in the evening and are pollinated by bats and bees.

Durian has a very large fruit, up to 30 cm in size and up to 8 kg in weight, on top it is covered with pyramidal spines, which explains its name from the Malay word “duri” - thorn. Consists of 5 chambers separated by white veins, each of which contains delicate yellow or yellowish-red pulp.

Durian is native to Southeast Asia, where it is still most popular. Currently, this fruit is grown in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka and the Philippines, as well as in several countries in Central Africa and Brazil.

100 g of durian contains:

Water - 65 g
Proteins - 1.5 g
Fat - 5.3 g
Carbohydrates - 23.3 g
Dietary fiber(fiber) - 3.8 g
Ash - 1.1 g

Vitamins in durian:

Vitamin A (beta-carotene) - 23 mcg
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - 0.374 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - 0.2 mg
Niacin (vitamin B3 or vitamin PP) - 1.074 mg
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) - 0.23 mg
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) - 0.316 mg
Folic acid (vitamin B9) - 36 mcg
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) - 19.7 mg

Macronutrients in durian:

Potassium - 436 mg
Calcium - 6 mg
Sodium - 2 mg
Magnesium - 30 mg
Phosphorus - 39 mg

Microelements in durian:

Iron - 0.43 mg
Manganese - 325 mcg
Copper - 207 mcg
Zinc - 0.28 mg

Calorie content of durian - 100 g of durian fruit contains on average about 147 kcal.

But as for the taste and smell of durian, that’s a different matter. Completely contradictory reviews can be heard about unusual taste this fruit. The fruit of a very delicate consistency has at the same time: a nutty-cheese taste, a taste custard, reminiscent of a combination of banana, mango, pineapple, overripe papaya and vanilla, the taste of a mixture of ice cream, onion, spices and banana, strawberry with dried persimmons. There are a lot of opinions about the taste, we recommend you try it and form your own.

As for the smell of durian, there is only one opinion - it is disgusting and unbearable! It is forbidden to bring it into hotels, it cannot be carried on board an airplane or on a bus, it is often exported in dried or canned. The reason for this is the terrible smell of this absolutely unique fruit, which has no analogues in the world.

The ripe fruit has a very corrosive, sweetish-putrid odor, reminiscent of the smell of garlic, rotten onions, rotten fish and sewage, storing durian in indoors simply out of the question.

Durian fruits, despite disgusting smell, are considered the most valuable in Southeast Asia fruits. The best characteristic Locals give durian fruits: “Hell is outside, heaven is inside.”

The raw pulp of ripe durian fruit is considered a delicacy. Durian is consumed both raw and used to make jam, ice cream and sweets. Durian seeds are used in culinary purposes and as a seasoning. In Indonesia, durian pulp is used to make a mint sauce that is eaten with rice. Durian fruits are exported as canned food to the Middle East and Europe. In Thailand they cook durian and pumpkin thick paste, which is stored for a long time and is used as a spice. On the island of Java, durian is usually consumed as an additive to ice cream, first cut into thin slices and dipped in sugar. Durian is fried in coconut oil with spices and served as a side dish for meat or as an independent dish.

IN household The durian tree has also found use. Dried and cured durian bark is used as fuel when smoking fish, giving the fish a strong and pleasant smell. The bark ash is used to bleach silk. The wood of the tree has a rough surface, soft structure, white and a light reddish-brown core. It is used in small quantities in Southeast Asia for the masts of small ships and in the construction of village houses.

The uniqueness of the fruit lies in its qualities that can provide amazing properties on the body. Durian is the only edible fruit that contains organic sulfur. Sulfur is a vital macronutrient, it is part of a number of amino acids and enzymes, is an indispensable component of cells, organ tissues, nervous, bone and cartilage tissue, hair, skin and nails of humans, and also participates in many biochemical reactions occurring in the body. Biologically active sulfur is easily absorbed and is part of proteins and some hormones such as insulin in the body, thereby ensuring blood sugar balance. Sulfur is an essential part of important antioxidant molecules that fight aging in the body. It is also involved in the process of removing toxins and many biochemical reactions in the cell.

Therapeutic baths with durian leaves are prescribed for bile spills, a decoction of the leaves and fruits is applied to inflamed skin and drunk as an antipyretic, and the pulp is used as an anthelmintic. The ash of the burnt bark is used after childbirth. Durian leaves contain hydroxytryptamine and mustard oil.

Durian is a source of fiber, vitamins B and C, and antioxidants.

Durian also has a strong bactericidal effect (due to the substance indole it contains), helps remove toxins from the body, and also enhances sexual function and increases the likelihood of becoming pregnant (due to the estrogens it contains).

When consumed in sufficient quantities, durian can cleanse your lungs and airways. For durian lovers, there is even toothpaste with durian additives.

Durian is called a “hot” fruit; when consumed, the temperature in the stomach increases and, according to residents of Southeast Asia, you don’t need a blanket while sleeping.

Attention, do not abuse durian, it is not only extremely useful, but also extremely dangerous. Be careful not to consume large amounts of the fruit at one time, and also never drink alcoholic beverages for at least an hour after eating durian.

Consumption of durian is contraindicated in case of hypertension, pregnancy, breastfeeding, as well as in case of individual intolerance.

There are several points, if observed, that durian tasting can be successful. Durian should be cut before your eyes; under no circumstances try it already cut and sold in plastic packaging. The fruit must reach a certain stage of ripening; if you tap it with a special stick, the sound should be dull. You should eat durian immediately after opening and preferably in the fresh air.

As you know, the most delicious and nutritious durian fruit grows in Thailand; here durian is called the “king of fruits.” It is the most expensive fruit in the country's markets. But, thanks to its aroma, it is rarely exported to fresh, most often dried or canned. Here it is considered the most delicious fruit in the world, they know its multifunctional uses and even organize a holiday in its honor. There are about 200 types of this fruit in Thailand. The harvest season is from May to August. At this time, trade counters are overflowing with this amazing fruit.

Every year in the province of Chanthaburi, which is called the “garden province” and is famous for its fruit plantations, a fair dedicated to durian is held.

The king and the undisputed favorite of lovers exotic fruits is durian. The fruit has a famous “bad” aroma and an unsurpassed original appearance. Despite the fact that the fruit contains amazingly creamy pulp, the durian is covered with rough spines, which unconditionally protect it from annoying attacks.

Where is the fruit found? What is he like?

The durian is considered the king of fruits in southeast Asia, where the fruit was actually discovered about 600 years ago. Its inimitable taste and softness captivated all local residents, and soon curious tourists. Durian is also found in the tropical part of distant Australia. The fruit itself can be the most unpredictable and therefore even more attractive in shape - from round to heart-shaped and triangular. The diameter of the selected fruit reaches about 30 cm, and the weight is about 8 - 9 kilograms. The creamy pulp is stored in oblong compartments and has a yellowish-cream color.

Evergreen durian tree. When do the fruits ripen?

The tree itself is an evergreen giant with shiny, fleshy leaves, the upper part of which is smooth and attractive, and the lower part is rougher and fleecy. The height of durian can reach 40 meters. At the moment of short-term night flowering, the tree is inimitably transformed. Its flowers acquire a brown-yellow color and a sour aroma. With the appearance of the first rays of dawn, it completely sheds its color. The king of fruits, durian, ripens in the spring and summer: in Thailand, they enjoy the ripened durian during the rainy season (from mid-April to September), the wonderful Philippines, more precisely, the island of Davao, enjoys the fruit all year round, and beautiful Indonesia treats itself to the creamy pulp in the winter months.

Properties

The exotic fruit durian is considered an unsurpassed aphrodisiac; its pulp contains a significant amount of estrogens, which normalizes the hormonal balance of women and, accordingly, fertility. The exotic king, in addition to estrogens, contains a powerful supply of iron, vital zinc, manganese and copper; in fact, durian hid half of the periodic table.

Also, the smelly durian fruit is considered a storehouse of vitamins and macroelements: the most important vitamins A, B and even C are supplemented with folic acid and a quartet of calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. Regular consumption of the miraculous pulp allows you to restore the body’s strength and regulate all processes.

People's opinion

As for the taste of the unusual fruit itself, those who have tried the king are divided in their opinions. Some consider the taste to be unsurpassably soft, cheesy with notes of ripe nuts, while others highlight the invincible taste of custard with burnt cream in places, and still others - bright notes of strawberry, banana and onion. Vietnamese gourmets speak of durian as an edible source of organic sulfur, which improves the condition of hair, nails, cartilage and even the nervous system.

Use in cooking

It is the Vietnamese who widely use durian in cooking. The fruit is added to sweets, vanilla ice cream, and even homemade chips are made from it. And skillful Vietnamese housewives even preserve the pulp and prepare durian juice. The only downside of the fruit is the Vietnamese's tendency to increase blood pressure, so knowledgeable people never combine durian with hot drinks or alcohol.

How to choose?

To enjoy durian, you should learn how to choose the right unusual fruit:

to begin with, you should carefully sniff the smell of the fruit in the tail area: the richer the aroma, the tastier its pulp will be;
Next, you should knock on the greenish-brown peel of the durian - if in response you hear an empty, dull sound, it means the fruit is not ripe, only a gurgling, barely audible sound can tell about the ripeness of the fruit;
The last indicator of maturity is the color of the durian thorns: they should be slightly yellowish and their tips slightly brown.

How to eat?

The next stage of acquaintance will be eating the fruit. You need to eat the capricious durian fruit very quickly. Reviews from many gourmets advise eating the fruit within the first 5 minutes after opening, otherwise the taste and aroma will become equally specific. It is possible to store durian for no more than 5 days from the date of purchase, but it is worth ridding the king of possible proximity. Durian is a rather active fruit; its aroma can easily spoil nearby vegetables and foods.

You should enjoy the fruit in an open space, without leaving pieces “for later.” Constant contact with oxygen transforms rotten smell fruit into unbearable. Also, experts from Vietnam advise not to buy prepared and peeled durian: during storage in plastic container the smell will only intensify and taste qualities the pulp will become too scanty.

How to divide the fruit?

Divide exotic king You can pick the fruit yourself, but to do this you need to take a good look at the durian. The fruit, the photo of which you see in our article, has five almost equal slices. They must be broken with a sharp movement. In the middle of the lobule there is hidden pulp in the form of a yellowish chamber. Each compartment has a bone that can be easily picked up and pulled out with a knife.

What to combine the fruit with?

Ripe and high-quality fruit is amazingly satisfying. Thanks to its creamy consistency, it is easy to scoop with a spoon or combine with fruit salads, some also describe coffee or candy durian. The fruit, a photo of which can be found in many modern cookbooks, is often rejected or replaced by housewives with mango or avocado. But once you open and cut the fruit correctly, many opponents exotic fruit join the ranks of his admirers. Gourmets especially appreciate the delicious combination of natural high-quality coffee and slices of peeled durian. Breakfast spent in the company of the king of fruits is considered an excellent start to the day.

Many people are afraid to try it because of the smell that the durian fruit gives off. What does it smell like - rotten sweetness, sometimes rotten meat and spices, many consumers also emit a tart, rotten smell of fish and onions. To get used to the intrusive aroma of the king, you should inhale the air in small sips and eat the slices with held breath; this will perfectly balance all the receptors and eating a specific fruit will become easier.

There is a lovely tale about how the durian came to be. The fruit was created as a result of the charms of a sorcerer who tried to help a king in love gain the favor of his chosen one. The king treated the beauty to a fantastic creamy fruit with unsurpassed delicious aroma, I completely forgot about gratitude to the sorcerer. He became angry and cursed all existing durian fruits. After the wedding, the king decided to once again taste the fruit of enchanting love, but the tree greeted him with thorny fruits with an invincible rotten smell. Angry, the king smashed the picked fruit on the ground and only then saw that the pulp inside was the same as before.

Discussions of specialists. Contraindications

Many experts discuss the durian fruit. The beneficial properties of this fruit are quite stunning; many people decide to try the exotic fruit without really knowing about the side qualities of the fruit. Durian is contraindicated for people with elevated blood pressure and women during pregnancy and subsequent feeding. Too much fetal intake can lead to allergic reactions. Also, people with individual intolerance to vitamins or certain substances, of which there are many in the fruit pulp, should not consume durian.

Chinese opinion

The Chinese, on the contrary, glorify durian. The fruit is easily divided among the smallest members of the family, and small children decide for themselves how much of the fruit to eat at a time. Medicinal plant specialists attribute durian to its unrivaled ability to renew the body's cells. At regular use his human body is rejuvenated, metabolic processes and blood flow are significantly adjusted.

Chinese scientists also reveal the calorie content of durian - 100 g of fresh (or frozen for 2-3 days) contains about 145 kcal, but the carbohydrate content compensates for the lack of fat. Therefore, scientists prohibit people with a predisposition to get carried away with durian. curvaceous. A tasty fruit can add a couple of kilograms in the shortest possible time.

What do they think about the fetus in Asian countries?

Many Asian countries strictly prohibit bringing durian into public places, especially transport and hotels. The specific aroma of the fruit does not dissipate for several hours, and sometimes even days (overripe fruits have a pungent putrid odor). Therefore, gourmets, having found their favorite fruit, feast on it not far from the place of purchase.

In colorful Thailand, there are about 200 types of durians - from the smallest and almost odorless fruits to the largest and incredibly tasty durians. The mass ripening and trading season in Thailand falls in hot May and August. Fans of the exotic fruit plan their vacation in advance in order to get to the durian feast on time.

Durian has such a disgusting smell that you are unlikely to be allowed into a public place with it. However, if you overcome your disgust or simply close your nose and taste the juicy pulp, you will immediately understand where the concept came from king of fruits.

Of all the variety of fruits, only durian has become the owner of such a popular characteristic. Few people realize that all this is absolutely true. Durian has such a “pleasant aroma” that you cannot enter hotels, elevators, shops, taxis and many other public places with it. Some of them even have a special sign in the form of a durian crossed out with a red line. This means that entry with fruit is strictly prohibited. This is due to the fact that the smell is very persistent and even after a long time after eating it, the aroma remains and, most importantly, it does not disappear or be killed by cosmetics. This is the main reason why it cannot be stored for a long time. There are many epithets around the world that are used to describe the smell of this fruit.

Despite everything, he is considered the king of fruits. You can see this for yourself after you taste the pulp, which truly divine taste. The Thais claim that it can be compared to a delicious cream made from milk and eggs. If you want to get an unforgettable experience, then be sure to try durian.

The name comes from the Malay word thorn - duri, as well as the suffix an, which means prickly fruit. Its homeland is India, Indonesia, Ceylon, Thailand, the Philippines and Indochina. There is an opinion that the best durian grows on a plantation near Bangkok.

This fruit has quite large fruits, which can reach 30 cm and weigh up to 8 kilograms. They are completely covered with a peel, which is “decorated” with spines. Inside there are several oblong chambers, and in them there are delicate yellowish-white tasty masses.

Durian is an evergreen tree - a giant that grows up to 40 meters in height. It has shiny and leathery leaves that are slightly pointed and alternately arranged. Upper part the leaves are smooth, while the opposite one is covered with scales. This amazing fruit blooms for only a few hours: golden brown, white or golden flowers have a heavy sour smell. They open at dusk and fall by dawn. The main period of fruit ripening is the beginning of spring and ends at the end of summer.

How to choose

When buying durian, you should not trust the seller, but do everything yourself. Special attention This purchase will be required in the off-season, since that is when bad durians are often found on the shelves. When pressed, the fruit should be slightly soft. Overripe fruits are very soft, while unripe ones cannot be pressed at all.

The maturity of this product can also be determined by the condition of the thorns. If they move, then the fruits are of high quality and ripe, but if they are motionless, then it still needs to lie down.

Pay attention to the smell of durian. If it has a very strong aroma, then there is a very high probability that it will be snotty inside - overripe.

You should not draw conclusions based on the color of the fruit, because the colors different varieties are very different.

How to store

It is best to eat durian immediately, but in other situations you can resort to storage. It should be noted that this fruit does not need to be placed in the refrigerator. At room temperature This product can be stored for 5 days, but no more. Durian should not be kept with other fruits.

In cooking

The seeds of this amazing fruit They have been used in cooking for centuries. They are mainly used as a seasoning. These fruits have a strong pungent odor that resembles a mixture of cheese, rotten onions and turpentine. Despite this, the pulp has quite good taste, so it is eaten as a delicious dessert.

Durian is most often used for cooking milkshakes, chips, ice cream and dried fruits. Sometimes it is fried just like potatoes. It should be noted that it goes well with coffee.

Reflection in culture

The Chinese value durian very much and is a rather expensive delicacy for children. They only buy it for the holidays. On this day, the whole family must sit down at the table and eat the entire fruit in one sitting. For the Malays, eating durian is a real ritual that can be compared to meditation. In absolutely all Asian countries where durian grows, it is considered medicinal plant. These fruits have long been credited with rejuvenating powers.

There is a legend that talks about a king who was in love with a charming girl, but she did not reciprocate his feelings. Because of this, the ruler turned to the magician, who gave him the fruit. The king gave the resulting fruits to the girl to try and she immediately fell in love with him. The ruler was so happy that he forgot about the magician and never thanked him. The magician was so angry that he cursed these wonderful fruits. When the ruler came for a new fruit of love, he did not find it, but only a prickly and disgusting-smelling fruit. The king was overcome with anger and threw him to the ground. He was very surprised when he discovered the “love mass” inside, so he gave it a new name, namely “durian”.

Durian calories

Raw or frozen, the calorie content of durian is 145 kcal per 100 g of product. This fruit has a relatively low fat content and increased content carbohydrates. His overuse can lead to extra pounds.

Nutritional value per 100 grams:

Useful properties of durian

Composition and presence of nutrients

This fruit is very rich in proteins, fats, vitamins and carbohydrates. It is very important to know that it does not contain cholesterol. The pulp contains vitamin C, niacin, carotene, folic acid, riboflavin, calcium, iron, niacin and phosphorus.

In addition, it contains indole. It should be noted that only it contains organic sulfur.

Useful and healing properties

Durian is considered unique fruit due to the organic sulfur it contains. This is what causes its characteristic and not very pleasant aroma. This is the only fruit with sulfur in the world that is suitable for consumption.

Unpleasant smell– a characteristic sign of the presence of indole in fruits. It should be noted that highly diluted indole has the completely opposite aroma of jasmine. It is very useful because it has bactericidal properties.

At the beginning of the last century, many pharmacies began selling “Dur-India” tablets, the main components of which were durian and very rare Indian onion. The latter is very rich in vitamin E. If you regularly use this drug for several months, then concentrated vital energy will enter the body, which will make it stronger and more tireless. These pills also have a positive effect on a person’s spirit, making him younger and clearer.

Durian has wonderful property– it can increase potency.

The pulp of this amazing fruit is an anthelmintic. Durian roots and leaves are used to prepare a decoction, which will later be used as an antipyretic. People suffering from fever apply the juice from the leaves of this plant to their heads. To relieve skin inflammation, use a decoction of durian leaves and fruits. If you have a bile spill, you should take a medicinal bath from the leaves of this exotic fruit. The ash of this plant is used during the postpartum period.