Durian: a fruit with a “hell-like smell and divine taste. Durian is the stinkiest fruit in the world

The king and undisputed favorite of lovers of 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, upper part which are smooth and attractive, while the lower one 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 rejoice at the ripened durian during the rainy season (from mid-April to September), the wonderful Philippines, more precisely, the island of Davao, feasts on the fruit all year round, and beautiful Indonesia treats itself to creamy flesh during 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 stinky fruit Durian 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 the taste of the pulp will become too meager.

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. A fruit whose photo 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. Specialists in medicinal plants Durian is credited with an unsurpassed ability to renew the cells of the body. 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 corrosive 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 delicious 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.

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 and cheese taste, a custard taste reminiscent of a combination of banana, mango, pineapple, overripe papaya and vanilla, a taste of a mixture of ice cream, onions, spices and banana, strawberries 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 absolutely terrible smell of this 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).

By consuming durian in sufficient quantities, you can cleanse your lungs and respiratory tract. 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.  

All about the exotic Asian fruit - durian. What kind of exotic is this and how they eat it and what. What beneficial properties do durian contain and what harm it can cause to the body. Calorie content of pulp and useful vitamins and microelements.

Contents of the article:

Durian is a tropical tree of the Malvaceae family. The name durian originated in Malaysia (translated as “thorn”) with the suffix - an. The French call it durione, the Germans call it Durianbaum or Stinkfrucht. For more than 600 years, the fruit has been cultivated in Malaysia, Indochina, India and southern Thailand. Very rare - in South and Latin America. It grows mainly in humid tropical lowland climates. Of the 30 plant varieties, only 9 are edible. Each variety has a unique taste and aroma. Only Durio zibethinus can be found in stores.


Durian is an evergreen tree with spreading branches. These giants reach a height of up to 40 m. The leaves are leathery and shiny, alternately arranged, pointed. Their upper side is smooth, and the lower side is covered with fleecy scales. On the trunk and hanging branches, compressed semi-umbrellas of flowers are formed, the calyx of which has only three petals and is shaped like a bell. Blooms for only a few hours: white, pink or golden brown flowers have a heavy sour smell, open at dusk and fall by dawn. The main period of fruit ripening is from the beginning of spring to the end of summer.


The spherical fruits (often slightly elongated) develop on trunks and branches and reach a diameter of up to 30 cm and can weigh up to 10 kg. The fruit, green on the outside, has a coarse fibrous structure and a hard shell, which is densely covered with pyramidal spines.


Inside the fruit capsules are shiny seeds, ranging in size from 2 to 6 cm. Their color ranges from red-brown to pale yellow. The pulp is thick, creamy yellow in color. Unripe fruit smells like... fresh grass. But the more it ripens, the more peculiar it becomes, turning into very corrosive, sweetish-putrid.


Due to the unpleasant odor, in Asian countries it is sometimes prohibited to bring durian into public places, for example, in transport, in some hotels, shops, etc. There is even a special sign warning tourists - a durian crossed out with a red line. This means that entering a room with exotic fruit forbidden. After all, its “aroma” for a long time It cannot be removed even with the help of cosmetics. In Thailand, it is prohibited by law to export this exotic product from the country; this is reported at airports. Don't even try to do this, otherwise there may be big problems later. Eat it there at the resort, as it is considered the No. 1 fruit in Thailand. Although it stinks like hell of hydrogen sulfide, it’s delicious!

There is a beautiful legend about the origin of this fruit


Many thousands of years ago, there lived a king in Asia. He fell in love with a beautiful girl who did not reciprocate. Then he turned to the magician for help. He gave a magical fruit with a wonderful aroma and a charming sweet taste. The girl tried the fruit and immediately fell in love with the king. And the ruler was so happy that he completely forgot to thank the magician. The wizard became furious and cursed these wonderful fruits. When the king came to the garden for a new “fruit of love,” he saw a thorny fruit emitting a stench on the tree. Angry, the king threw it to the ground, but when it split open, the fruit inside turned out to be as tasty as before. That is why the king called it “durian”.


Due to its unique taste, durian is often called the “King of Fruits”. And not in vain - the taste of ripe fruits is exceptionally good: it is sweet, rich, custard, vaguely reminiscent of papaya and vanilla. Choose slightly soft pulp, do not take very hard pulp - it is unripe. An unripe fruit is almost tasteless; if the fruit is overripe, the pulp begins to taste bitter. For true gourmets Durian is a real delicacy. It is believed that It must be eaten immediately after opening: This is the only way to feel the whole flavor bouquet.


Eating durian with your hand, breaking and removing the pulp. Although, it is much more convenient to use a spoon (the smell ingrained into the skin is difficult to “wash off”). Local residents wash the fruit down with salted water. Usually, it is poured into the empty cup-shaped half of the shell. Very popular in Thailand are durian pieces that are marinated in coconut milk and served to the table. And pies with such a filling will clearly not leave even the most picky eater indifferent!

In addition, durian goes perfectly with coffee, and gourmets consider this breakfast one of the most sophisticated culinary delights. More in Thai cuisine its pulp is added to mousses and ice cream, and jam is prepared.

If the fruit is not ripe, then it is used as a vegetable: cut into slices and fried or stewed with spices. And the Thais prepare a paste from durian and pumpkin, which they use as a spice. Sayur, (this is an Indonesian fresh fish soup), the red pulp of durian gives unique taste and aroma. The seeds are not thrown away, but fried and used as a seasoning. Also, local residents boil the pulp with added sugar and preserve it.

Video: how to cut, butcher and eat:

Ingredients: vitamins and microelements

The fruit is very rich in vitamins, fats, carbohydrates (27.09 g) and proteins. But the fruit pulp contains vitamin C (19.7 mg - about 33% of the required daily norm), carotene, B vitamins (riboflavin, niacin, folic acid), niacin and essential minerals: iron, phosphorus and calcium.

It also contains indole, thanks to which durian has not only a terrible smell, but also bactericidal properties. Also, durian is the only edible fruit that contains organic sulfur, which is valued for its ability to remove toxins from the body. In addition, it is a component of proteins and hormones, present in the cells of nervous and bone tissue, hair and skin. The high content of sucrose and fructose makes the fruit valuable source energy.

Durian calories per 100 g of pulp is 147 kcal:

  • Proteins - 1.47 g
  • Fat - 5.33 g
  • Carbohydrates - 23.29 g
  • Water - 64.99 g
  • Dietary fiber - 3.8 g
  • Ash - 1.12 g
  • Cholesterol - 0 g

Beneficial properties of durian for the body

Durian is a very filling fruit that instantly satisfies hunger. But residents of Southeast Asia not only feast on it, but also use it in folk medicine.


The leaves of the plant contain hydroxytryptamine and mustard oil. Therefore, they are used as an effective antipyretic agent for infectious and colds. Baths with durian leaves help relieve bile. The pulp of the fruit is an excellent anthelmintic, and the seeds help in the treatment of diarrhea. The roots of the plant are used as an antiviral agent. Combination minerals, vitamins, amino acids and sulfur, can increase the body's protective functions. But probably the most wonderful property this exotic plant is the ability to increase potency. Popular beliefs even attribute rejuvenating powers to durian.

Video about the benefits of durian:

Harm and contraindications of durian


Eating durian is strictly contraindicated for people suffering from high blood pressure and hypertension.

Durian should not be combined with alcoholic drinks : this may be the reason severe poisoning with subsequent complications. It is also not recommended for women during pregnancy and lactation. Durian is also contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to the body.

In all other cases, eat it for your health!

Due to the unbearable smell, durian cannot be carried on planes or other transport, hotels and many other public places. The disgusting smell of fruit cannot be erased for a long time, even using various air fresheners or cosmetics. It is for this reason that durian is rarely found in countries where it does not grow.

Durian is a large evergreen tree that belongs to the Malvaceae family. There are more than 30 species of this plant around the world. The tree has huge roots that look like supports. Durian looks very beautiful during flowering. The tree is covered with large white or red flowers, which bloom in the evening and fall off by morning. The plant is pollinated by bees and bats.

Durian trees begin to bear fruit approximately 8-10 years after planting. The fruits of the plant are quite large, covered with huge sharp spines. They usually weigh 3-4 kg. There are also fruits whose weight reaches 10 kg. Under the thick shell there are 5 compartments containing yellow or yellow-red pulp with large seeds.

It is not recommended to pick durians from the tree: when they ripen, they fall off on their own. Walking under such trees, which bear fruit throughout the year, is quite dangerous: it is not difficult to guess what awaits a person if a fruit the size of soccer ball, covered with sharp thorns.

Durian is a heat-loving plant that grows in tropical climates. It is grown in Asia and South America. The best fruits are those grown in Thailand. In this country, durian is considered one of the most valuable fruits. Thailand even holds fairs where you can see and try several varieties of durian. The largest plantations of this plant are found in the vicinity of Bangkok.

Every person who dares to try a fruit with the most unpleasant smell, is delighted with its taste. Many people note that durian pulp is very similar to custard. It looks like banana, mango, overripe papaya and pineapple are mixed in it. But only ripe durian is truly tasty. It is not recommended to eat unripe or overripe fruit. It is recommended to eat durian with a spoon: if you take the pulp with your hands, a disgusting smell will remain on them for a long time, which is difficult to wash off.

It's hard to find a fruit that contains as much useful substances, as in durian. The fruit contains significant amounts of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, as well as calcium and sodium.

In addition, durian contains the entire vitamin B complex, folic acid and a significant amount of vitamin C. The fruit also contains antioxidants that help prolong the body's youth. Durian has an excellent bactericidal effect, which is due to the indonol content in it. By consuming this fruit, you can cleanse the body of toxins and harmful substances and improve immunity. It is very useful to eat it at night: it creates warmth in the stomach, and you don’t even need a blanket while sleeping.

Durian is an excellent aphrodisiac. Eating this fruit can enhance sexual function. Since durian contains estrogens, it is recommended for women who want to become pregnant. But most of all, the fruit is valued for its organic sulfur content, which is not found in other edible fruits. This microelement is extremely important for the body, since it is part of cells and tissues. It helps improve the condition of skin, hair, nails, and normalizes blood sugar levels.

Despite the fact that durian is very healthy, it is recommended to consume it in small quantities. Excessive consumption of the fruit can be hazardous to health. It is also not recommended to drink drinks containing alcohol immediately after drinking it. This can result in severe stomach irritation. The period between consumption of these products should be at least an hour. There are also a number of contraindications for which it is better to avoid this fruit altogether - individual intolerance, hypertension, pregnancy and lactation.

Not every person can immediately try this fruit, the disgusting smell of which is difficult to describe in words. But there are several recommendations that will help you dare to taste this exotic fruit. First, you need to find a really good ripened fruit. For people who are not familiar with it, it is better to ask the seller for help. If you decide to try durian, you should cut it yourself or, if this is not possible, ask for the pulp to be extracted before your eyes.

Many people eat durian in the same way as they drink vodka: you need to take a deep breath and quickly put the pulp into your mouth. In countries where this fruit grows, it is customary to drink it with lightly salted water. It is very high in calories, and even a small slice eaten for breakfast will be enough to get rid of hunger for the whole day.

Durian is a rather expensive fruit. Even in Thailand, where there is a lot of these fruits, you will have to pay at least $3 for a small piece of pulp. You can buy it for a fairly impressive amount in other countries, but often only in dried or canned form.

Durian is one of the most unusual healthy tropical fruits in the world. Its homeland is India, Indonesia, Thailand. Grown in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, India, Cambodia. The best fruits are grown near Bangkok. The benefits and harms of durian have not been fully studied.

What does durian look like and where does it grow?

The name comes from Malay words resulting in the phrase “thorny fruit”. Indeed, durian is a large, oblong ball of yellow or greenish color. The weight is up to eight kilograms, the diameter is up to thirty centimeters, and is covered with long pyramidal spines. In cross section, durian looks like a large nut divided into hemispheres. It consists of five chambers, with white veins, each of which contains yellow or yellow-red pulp.

Nine of the thirty-four known species are allowed for consumption. Durian provides benefits, but in some cases can cause harm to the body, so you need to carefully study the composition and properties.

Taste and smell of durian

This healthy fruit leaves no one indifferent. Taste qualities so ambiguous that everyone associates them with something individual. Most people agree that durian tastes like... delicate cream from milk and eggs. For many, it is a favorite fruit; others cannot be in the same room with it.

This is due to a specific smell. Despite all the benefits, many people don’t dare try it because of the unpleasant aroma.

This property is explained by the chemical reaction of sulfuric acid and oxygen during cutting. The smell does not come immediately; it takes several minutes for the elements to interact. They compare the odor emitted to sewerage or stale socks.

Important! In countries where the healthy fruit is common, it is prohibited to take it with you on a plane or to a hotel, since unpleasant aroma does not erode for a long time and is not masked by air fresheners.

At the same time, this unpleasant fact does not cause any harm to the human body. Rather, on the contrary, a strong smell indicates maturity and the focus of benefit.

For the same reason, durian is exported dried or canned.

Chemical composition and calorie content of durian

Possesses a huge amount beneficial properties for humans. The calorie content is high, about 147 kcal per 100 g.

  • water – about 60 g;
  • proteins – 1.5 g;
  • fats – about 5 g;
  • carbohydrates – about 23 g;
  • fiber – about 4 g;
  • ash – 1 g.

It also contains useful micro- and macroelements:

  • potassium;
  • calcium;
  • magnesium;
  • phosphorus;
  • sodium;
  • iron;
  • manganese;
  • zinc;
  • copper.

Durian is a treasure trove useful vitamins: A (beta-carotene), B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), niacin, B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 ​​(pyridoxine), B9 ( folic acid), C (ascorbic acid).

The composition contains no elements that are harmful to the body. The benefits are enormous for many organs and systems.

What are the benefits of durian?

The benefits of durian for women and men are beyond doubt; it has unique properties, is able to have a beneficial multifaceted effect on the body.

Is the only one edible fruit containing organic sulfur. This useful element, which is part of the cells of human hair, skin, nails, as well as nervous, bone and cartilage tissues of organs, proteins and some hormones. As a component of insulin, sulfur ensures blood sugar balance, which is beneficial for patients diabetes mellitus. It also fights aging, promotes the removal of toxins, and has natural anthelmintic and antiviral properties.

Thanks to high content minerals, has cardiovascular, nervous, immune systems. In addition, it has bactericidal properties.

Thanks to high calorie content and fiber content, very nutritious. It quickly saturates the body, and the feeling of hunger subsides for a long time.

It does not contain cholesterol, so it can be consumed without fear by those who adhere to a healthy lifestyle.

Durian has particular benefits for women. Due to the content of the hormone estrogen, it increases the chances of getting pregnant and bearing a healthy child.

Benefits of durian for men

In addition to the general beneficial properties for women and men, the latter provides invaluable assistance in restoring and maintaining sexual function. It is an excellent aphrodisiac. Thanks to the hormone estrogen, it restores and increases potency, improves sperm quality and sperm activity.

Can pregnant women eat durian?

Extremely beneficial, but may be harmful to pregnant and breastfeeding women, so they should use it with caution.

There is no categorical prohibition. A woman carrying a child can assess her condition and the opportunity to try the fruit herself. The beneficial properties will be beneficial for her and the baby. But if a pregnant woman suffers from edema and high blood pressure, can cause harm and make problems worse.

How to properly eat and clean durian

Despite the variety of forms (dried, jam), fresh raw fruit has the greatest beneficial properties. Only fully ripened fruit should be consumed immediately after opening. To do this, you need to cut the durian into several parts; the pulp is easy to extract. You can do this with your hands or a spoon, as it will be difficult to get rid of the smell. The indigenous people of Thailand eat with salted water. More detailed instructions for cleaning durian can be found in the video:

Why durian is dangerous

Although it has many beneficial properties, in some cases it can cause serious harm to health. Therefore, there are a number of contraindications for use:

  • individual intolerance to components can lead to allergic reactions;
  • It is prohibited to be consumed by people suffering from hypertension, as it increases blood pressure;
  • period of pregnancy and lactation;
  • The simultaneous consumption of durian and alcohol is prohibited and extremely dangerous.

Durian and alcohol

Attention! It is strictly forbidden to combine the consumption of alcohol and durian, as this may cause great harm to the human body.

Durian in cooking

Useful properties, as well as its delicate taste ensured consistent use in a variety of recipes.

  • Cocktails, ice cream and jam are made from it.
  • Also used to prepare a specific dessert, popular in Thailand. It consists of glutinous rice that is doused in coconut syrup and juice. sugar cane. Durian pieces are added to it.
  • We also love durian dodol. This pie is a frozen baked mass of durian pulp, glutinous rice, sugar and coconut milk.
  • The seeds are used as a seasoning.
  • In Indonesia, the pulp is used to make a sauce with mint, which is served with rice.
  • Used in fried as a side dish for meat.

What is the difference between jackfruit and durian?

Jackfruit is no less popular in Thailand than durian. This is also an extremely healthy fruit, having specific smell and a whole range of useful substances and elements. But the difference between them is great.

These are the fruits of completely different trees. Jackfruit grows on the breadfruit tree; the fruits can be enormous in size, weighing up to thirty kilograms. As it grows, it is covered with green spines; as it matures, these spines become less pronounced. Ripe jackfruit is gray-brown in color. Its seeds are eaten; they contain milky juice, which is very difficult to wash off skin and clothes.

By appearance are also different. While durian pulp consists of two large oblong halves, jackfruit seeds are small and randomly located inside the fruit.

How to choose durian

Ripe fruits are the most useful. To select the maximum ripe fruit, you need to know what characteristics it should have:

  • it should be soft to the touch, but also elastic at the same time; bends in one direction or the other indicate immaturity or overripeness;
  • the spines must be mobile, otherwise it indicates immaturity;
  • when tapping, a dull sound should be heard;
  • the unpleasant odor should not be distinct;
  • color may be green or yellow;
  • the fruit should not be peeled, as it has a short shelf life;
  • there should be no stains or damage on the surface.

How to store durian at home

Peeled durian cannot be stored; it must be consumed immediately, otherwise all the beneficial properties will be lost. And in an unrefined form it can last for two days at room temperature, in the refrigerator - up to five days.

To extend the shelf life of durian, it is made into a kind of dried fruit. But for this purpose, the pulp is not simply dried, but pastille is made - this method allows you to preserve the benefits and taste.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of durian are incomparable. Thanks to the content large quantity useful substances and elements, durian has a beneficial effect on all systems of the human body. It will not cause any harm if you use it wisely, follow all the rules, and abstain from alcohol.

Related publications