Green durian. Durian - interesting information

28.10.18

Durian resembles the monster from Loch Ness - everyone has heard of it, but few have seen it. And in appearance it looks like a prickly and thorny monster. The name corresponds - “duri” means “thorn”. People make up legends about its heavenly taste and disgusting smell.

In our material we will tell you all about the benefits and harms of durian, discuss the beneficial properties of the fruit for the body of men, women and children, and also talk about contraindications to the use of an unusual product.

In the photo - durian fruit:

Let's give an example of just a few amazing facts about this fruit:

Durian is prohibited from being brought into public places or transport.
In the homeland of the fruit - in cities South-East Asia- organize special buffets on the streets intended exclusively for serving durian.
The flowers of this exotic fruit are pollinated by mammals - bats.
Only 9 subspecies of the plant are consumed, and there are about 30 in total.
Indole, an aromatic volatile substance, gives the fruit not only the hellish stench of biological decay, but also bactericidal qualities.
Taste evokes different associations. Many people call it creamy and cheesy, to some it resembles ice cream with whipped cream and banana, while others even compare durian to fried potatoes and dough for pies.
In Thailand, along the roads there are monuments to the amazing creation of nature.

How to choose

If you flew to Thailand or Malaysia from April to September, consider that your trip was a success - you are in durian season. At this time he has the best taste properties, the cheapest.

There are several distinctive features, by which you can choose the best fruits:

Composition, calorie content, beneficial properties

Energy value The product reaches 147 kcal per 100 g due to the following nutrients:

proteins - 1.5 g;
fats - 5.3 g;
carbohydrates - 23.3 g.

The pulp of the fruit contains a lot of water (65%) and fiber (3.8%).

The mineral composition is quite rich, includes compounds of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, copper, iron.

A characteristic feature is the presence of organic sulfur. Its volatile compounds, together with indole, create a renowned aromatic bouquet.

Biologically active substances of the fruit are B vitamins, ascorbic acid, vitamin A.

What is useful and harmful

Thais and Malaysians eat durian all their lives.

Here are their observations about the influence of this fruit on the functions of the human body:

But consumption of any exotic product must be dosed. His useful qualities have a positive effect only on local residents who have been eating this fruit since childhood.

But the result can be unpredictable for a tourist, even to the point of individual intolerance.

First of all, it is worth remembering these rules:

You should eat durian in the morning, no more than 200 g at a time.
No alcohol in combination with durian! Yes, many people boast that they washed this fruit down with alcoholic drinks. But not everyone's experience was successful.
Southern exotics are definitely contraindicated for allergy sufferers: foreign substances in the composition can cause an unexpected allergic reaction.
The tonic properties of durian can play a bad joke on people with hypertension.
Children under 5 years of age and pregnant and lactating women should consume the fruit with caution - primarily due to unexpected manifestations of allergies.
Another unpleasant consequence of eating is belching with a repulsive odor.

Use in cooking

A European traveling in Southeast Asia can consider himself very lucky if he finds a good ripe durian on sale at the market that he likes the taste.

And for local peoples, eating durian is the most common thing, although they consider it a festive dish and undoubtedly respect it. It is even called the king among fruits.

In the summer season, when the plantations begin to bear fruit at the same time, it is not possible to sell everything to tourists, then the fruits are processed.

The Thais and Malays have accumulated a wealth of experience using the thorny king in cooking:

Durian is included in many recipes confectionery: sweets, ice cream, cocktails.
The fruits of the plant are used to make jam or jam and dry them, like chips and dried fruits. In this form, you can keep it for a long time and even bring it home from a trip.
Quite unexpectedly, this fruit (mostly unripe) is even fried. It turns out something similar to fried potatoes.
The seeds are dried, ground and added to vegetable and meat dishes.
Fresh pulp is added to main courses and soups.
How fresh vegetable, consume the young shoots of the plant.
Local residents bake tubes and pies filled with durian.
The peel and bark of the tree are used to smoke fish.

A decoction of tree roots with other plant components is used for respiratory diseases as an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agent. This is an old recipe, recorded almost 100 years ago.
Another ancient remedy is ash obtained from the prickly peel of the fruit. Women who have recently given birth drink it.
For jaundice, baths with the leaves of the plant are prescribed.
The seeds contain tannins and have antidiarrheal properties.
Decoction of leaves and fruits - remedy against inflammation and swelling of external tissues.
For raw foodists, pulp is good source fats and proteins.
The roots and leaves of the plant are used to treat feverish conditions.

The fats and vitamins in the composition allow the fruit pulp to be used in cosmetology. It is mainly used as a component of cosmetic masks for dry facial skin and dry hair.

You must first make sure that the fruit does not cause allergies when used externally.

The simplest nourishing and moisturizing mask for dry skin is to apply homogeneous mass fruit on the face, wait 20 minutes, rinse.
A piece of the fruit can simply be rubbed on dry facial skin in the morning.
For oily skin, make a mask with cleansing properties. To do this, the pulp is mixed with citrus juice and oatmeal. 20 minutes after applying the mask to the hair, wash off with water.

The following composition is useful for dry hair: burdock oil and grated durian pulp in a 2:1 ratio. Apply to hair, rinse with shampoo after 20 minutes.

Several Yet interesting facts about durian fruit - in this video:

Russians have different opinions about durian. Sometimes it seems that people are practicing eloquence, issuing flowery descriptions and unexpected epithets.

No one regretted the new experience, although not everyone liked the Thai king of fruits. But he is definitely worthy of attention and respect. Durian is a miracle, not a monster!

In contact with

Durian has this disgusting smell that you are unlikely to be allowed into a public place with him. 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 erode or be killed, 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 has a 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. The upper part of the leaves is smooth, while the opposite part is covered with scales. This amazing fruit blooms for only a few hours: golden brown, white or golden flowers have a heavy sour smell.

How to choose

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. When buying durian, you should not trust the seller, but do everything yourself. 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

differ considerably.

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 a rather pleasant 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

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 is characterized by relatively low fat content and high carbohydrate content. Its excessive consumption 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, nicotinic acid and phosphorus.

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

Useful and healing properties

Durian is considered a 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 human consumption.

An unpleasant odor is 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.

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.

- a real king among exotic fruits, and its peculiarity is so great that it is prohibited from being exported from the countries where it grows, and people who have tried it are divided into two categories: ardent opponents or admirers.

Differences between Durian fruit The king of all fruits cannot be confused with other fruits. Externally Durian

somewhat similar to chestnut, it is sometimes even called Asian chestnut, because the fruit is covered with rather powerful spines, and when the peel is broken, edible segments of the fruit are revealed.

Only the size of the Durian fruit, unlike chestnuts, is much larger, because its fruits reach a size of up to 30 cm with a weight of about 8 kg.

What does Durian smell like? The dense thick peel with spines ensures the fruit ripens under the scorching sun without damage, which is extremely important for taste qualities

and shelf life. This amazing fruit constantly gives rise to debate among gourmets and even scientists about what Durian smells like and what it tastes like, because each fruit is in some way unique, although there are general taste impressions.

The king of all fruits cannot be confused with other fruits. Externally Taste and aroma directly depend on the variety, place of growth, weather conditions, the moment of collection relative to ripening, timing and storage conditions, so from one seller you can buy fruits that are completely different in taste.

- an evergreen powerful plant up to 40 m high with original pointed leaves, and this mystical plant blooms for only a few hours with golden-brown, golden or white flowers that open only once at dusk and close at dawn.

Despite the spectacular flowering, it is recommended to observe it away from the plant, because the flower exudes a sharp, fetid odor, which also affects the original “aroma” of the fruit. The smell of Durian cannot be confused, because the amber emitted is so bright and persistent that it is difficult to get rid of it, and its comparative description is very vague, because everyone has their own associations. Some argue that rotten eggs, others - rotten onions, still others compare it with the “aromas” of sewerage, and still others claim that the smell is very similar to moldy cheese.

The secret of such a fetid odor lies precisely in the peel, which is saturated with elements of organic sulfur with rich volatile substances. It was precisely this natural protection that hid in the depths of the fruit a pulp unique in its properties and taste.

Durian fruit taste

Due to the fact what does Durian fruit smell like?, few manage to highly appreciate the taste of the pulp, because the persistent aroma leaves a lasting impression on the taste buds.

To taste the taste of a fruit, you need to abstract yourself from the smell, and it is very difficult to convince those who have a strong negative reaction to the smell of the sophistication and sophistication of the taste of the pulp itself.

Attempts to block the nose with cotton swabs are not always effective, so only abstraction and compliance with the rules and techniques of use Durian fruit allows them to enjoy.

Durian taste is very diverse and causes different taste impressions and effects, because the fruit is not only a “taste chameleon”, but also saturated with a large number of substances that actively affect the body like drugs.

That is why the description of the taste of the Durian fruit is more subjective than real. Most often the taste resembles creamy dessert with vanilla notes or fresh French pastries, but cases of comparative descriptions reminiscent of the taste of the original are not uncommon delicious salad with mayonnaise or just fried onions in oil.

Flavor notes of nuts, bananas and even strawberries are also noted. It is simply impossible to find two absolutely identical fruits that taste the same.

The consistency of the pulp is quite tender, although it holds the shape of the slices, so it is consumed both as an independent, by the way, very high-calorie dessert, and as a popular component of dessert masterpieces and cocktails.

It is not recommended to store more than 3-5 hours, because... not only does the taste change due to oxidative effects, but the persistent odor actively accumulates. It is not recommended to freeze or carefully package the pulp, because... in the first case, the structure and taste of the fruit completely changes, and in the second, the smell will definitely make itself felt after some time.

Durian in Thailand

It was the peculiarity of the persistent heavy odor that vetoed export of Durian fruits from Asian countries, and if you try to take even a little of it for yourself or for friends and relatives, you will definitely be detained at customs control with the ensuing consequences.

One of the places on Earth where the Durian plant is actively cultivated is Thailand, where you can get up close and personal with such a unique fruit.

Properties of Durian

Durian in Thailand is very popular as a national dish with special taste and a mind-blowing health effect, but strict rules apply to its sale and use. That is why the fruits cannot be found for sale in stores, but only in open markets, and after purchase, visiting public places or transporting them on public transport is simply prohibited.

It is also recommended to eat it in an open area without storing any leftovers; it is for this reason that friendly Durian fruit sellers are ready to peel the fruit right at the point of sale. When eating fruit, it is recommended not to touch it with your hands, but be sure to use cutlery, because The specific aroma permeates the skin very quickly and it is extremely difficult to wash your hands of the smell.

Properties of Durian truly unique:

This high-calorie fruit with a calorie content of about 100 kcal/100 g, therefore, when consuming it, the feeling of hunger disappears very quickly, and regular consumption in large quantities leads to rapid weight gain. The fruit is often listed in various Asian diets as a high-energy product that perfectly invigorates, satisfies hunger and improves mood, so it is recommended to eat it in the morning.
Consider beneficial properties of Durian necessary from its composition, in which great amount micro and macroelements, minerals, and their concentration is simply off scale compared to other fruits. This is a unique fruit of its kind, because... only it contains a large amount of organic sulfur compounds, which have a beneficial effect on the immune, cardiac, nervous and reproductive systems. The fruit is also actively used as medicine for people of all ages, and as a "growth promoter" for young people.
A large number of special easily digestible substances that affect the activation of the body in the production of serotonin (the hormone of happiness) include Durian fruit to strong aphrodisiacs with an effect similar to a narcotic. For this reason, its use should be limited and controlled in terms of changes in physical health, because Metabolism is activated and blood pressure rises.

Benefits of Durian for the body

Fibrous fiber of the pulp Durian fruit activates and cleanses the intestines, while antioxidants actively affect the rejuvenation of the body. The bactericidal properties of the fruit are activated immune system to combat pathogenic organisms. The fruit even has an effect on cleaning the lungs, because... activates mucosal drainage.
Special properties of durian fruit They cope well with female and male diseases and problems, so many tourists specially arrange tours to undergo a treatment course in Thailand with this fantastic fruit.
The overall healing effect on the body is simply impressive, so the fruits are often used in complex preventive and therapeutic nutrition systems, but it is recommended to use it gradually, because bright and active impact can be unpredictable.
As an aphrodisiac, the pulp of the fruit is ground and added to cocktails, and for those trying this fruit for the first time, it is advisable to select small fruits with incomplete ripening. By the way, the price of such Durian somewhat lower, although the fruit itself is not that expensive.
This choice is justified by the fact that as the fruit ripens, it becomes increasingly rich in both taste and smell, the harshness of which may become unbearable for beginners. For this reason, the fruit is actively used to treat migraines and as an antidepressant.
The chemical composition of the fruit is very concentrated, so its effect on the body is felt as a powerful energy drink. Copper, iron, potassium, B vitamins, folic acid, sucrose and fructose quickly tone and energize the body, so the fruit is very useful before active training.
Benefits of Durian noted especially on the cardiovascular system when regular use, therefore prevents and even cures diseases such as anemia. For the same reason, changes in the skin are quickly observed, becoming more elastic and firm. A rejuvenating effect is felt.
The high content of organic manganese and fructose has a beneficial effect on diabetics, so the fruit is simply indicated for them as prevention and treatment. Add to this great content folic acid and copper - a positive effect on the hormonal system. The effect on the thyroid gland is similar to the effect of iodine.
Potassium, calcium and phosphorus support and strengthen bone tissue, so those who regularly consume Durain fruit, note strong healthy teeth and bone structures.

It is worth considering that along with the beneficial properties of the Durian fruit, its use is associated with a special taste, smell, and should also be limited and justified for medical reasons due to its strong effects. For this reason, there is a restriction on use for people with blood pressure, personal incompatibility, as well as pregnant and lactating women.

Durian is unique fruit from a tropical tree of the same name, classified as a member of the malvaceae family. After flowering, this tree produces a unique fruit - prickly in appearance, amazing in taste and with the same incredibly repulsive smell, reaching a length of up to 25-30 centimeters and 4-5 kilograms in weight. But it is the smell that makes durian famous throughout the world, as well as its amazing and unique taste.

What does durian smell like?

This is precisely the question asked by many people who have heard about an exotic fruit with a specific smell and amazing taste, although we have never tasted it. What does durian smell like? Many people have very different opinions on this matter and describe its smell in their own way. And so let's get started.

Some gourmets compare the smell of exotic durian with the amber that exudes hydrogen sulfide, while others compare it with rotten and rotten onions, and even such chemical like turpentine. The aroma of durian is often compared to the smell of moldy, but noble cheese, but in any case they agree that it is a somewhat unpleasant odor.

Those who have tasted a ripe fruit at least once compare its aroma with the odors emitted by a rotten carcass of fish and waste water, mixed with livestock manure. Maybe dirty socks smell like that too, who knows? It is precisely because of such a sharp and unpleasant odor It is prohibited to bring it into transport, hotels, or airports, although it is not difficult to buy it on the market. Although it is worth making a reservation right away - bad smell have exclusively ripe fruits, but green and unripe ones have practically no smell.

Taste qualities

Regarding the taste qualities that this exotic fruit has, opinions also differ in this regard. But what cannot but rejoice is that, in contrast to the smell, it is very gentle and pleasant. Some may legitimately compare its taste to tender and airy custard, others - with a friend from childhood creamy ice cream. To understand its taste and appreciate it yourself, it’s worth trying.

When choosing a fruit, it is important to remember that you need to choose fruits that are fully ripe, but not overripe. Unripe, green durian has a bitter and tart taste, and the smell is still unpleasant and pungent. They eat the latter exclusively with a spoon, without touching it with their hands - the whole point is that the “aroma” is strongly absorbed into the skin. And you won’t be able to wash it off for several days. Put away unpleasant aroma Even soaking in saline solution or milk will not help, and ventilating the room is also useless - therefore it is best to eat it immediately after purchase.

The juice of this exotic fruit is low-fat and not too sticky, and you can eat the pulp itself either raw, canned or pickled. The aromatic pulp is most often used for making jam and preserves, chips and sweets, up to fine wine. But unripe fruit can be cut into slices and fried on vegetable oil and serve as a side dish. In addition to all this, it can be canned and even added to desserts and ice cream, and, for example, in Indonesia aromatic pulp Durian is added to the sauce that is used to season the local national dish of rice and fruit.

Beneficial features

This prickly and unpleasantly smelling fruit has amazing pleasant taste endowed with nature and a considerable amount useful substances, vitamins, macro and microelements. All of them fill the body with strength and allow it to normalize its functioning. Light pink pulp contains 1.5% proteins and 5.3% fats, 23% carbohydrates and 4% dietary fiber. 100 grams of fruit contain 147 kcal.

It contains B vitamins, as well as ascorbic, nicotinic acids and sulfur, and carotene. In addition, it contains a lot minerals, such as iron and calcium, zinc and magnesium, phosphorus and amino acids, antioxidants necessary for the body. This combination of many beneficial compounds determines the ability of the fruit to have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart and vascular system, central nervous system and immunity, other internal organs and systems.

The specific, fragrant smell of an exotic fruit is due to the content of a special compound in its pulp, indole - the latter gives a specific “aroma”. But due to this compound, the peel of the fruit has pronounced bactericidal properties. The active sulfur contained in insulin determines the ability of this fruit to normalize blood glucose levels. Yes, and at the same time clean and naturally remove harmful toxins and waste from the body naturally. Sulfur is also part of many proteins and hormones, which has a beneficial effect on the general condition of hair and skin, nails and bones.

Along with this, the sweet pulp of the fruit also has pronounced anthelmintic properties, and the leaves and rhizome of the plant act as a natural antipyretic, which is why their use is so effective for influenza and fever, and external skin diseases. That is why the latter is actively used in Asian countries in the treatment of many viral and colds, and an infusion of durin leaves used in a bath helps to overcome jaundice, as it successfully removes excess bilirubin from the body.

The fruit and especially its seeds help with diarrhea, having pronounced astringent properties. But the most important and useful property that made this fruit famous throughout the world, in addition to its specific smell– this is the ability to increase potency, which is especially important for the stronger half of humanity. Durian is considered a powerful aphrodisiac and therefore it is often used in a special diet for problems with potency. It is considered one of the few fruits that can activate and normalize the functioning of the reproductive system of the stronger half of humanity, strengthening and activating the body’s potential.

Durian also contains a considerable amount of sucrose and fructose - this is very valuable source nutritious energy for the body. Due to this, it quickly satisfies the feeling of hunger, saturating and filling the body with useful, nutritious components.

Existing contraindications to eating the fruit

Despite all the benefits of the exotic fruit, you should be very careful when introducing it into your diet as a component of a sauce or dessert. First of all, it is worth remembering about individual intolerance, allergies to an exotic and unusual product.

In addition, even if there is no allergy to durian, and the body tolerates it well, all hypertensive patients should eat it with caution. Along with this, pregnant women, as well as during lactation, should not abuse exotic foods. This limitation is due to several points:

The pulp of the exotic fruit contains substances that are undesirable for inclusion in the diet during this period.
In addition, due to high content fructose and lactose in the pulp are the strongest allergens.

Also, you should not serve this fruit as a snack with alcohol, since combined use can be very unpredictable, ranging from a banal stomach upset and an unpleasant smell, and ending with death. The thing is that, when interacting with the components of alcohol, some components and substances of the fruit can provoke a sharp drop in pressure.

Modern man tends to crave everything exotic. This manifests itself in different areas of life, including in relation to food. One of the most extravagant and unusual fruits is durian. It is recognized as the king of fruits and looks quite unusual. What is it, what does this unusual fruit look like, what are its benefits and harms, how to choose and eat it - let's figure it out.

What it is?

Civet durian belongs to the genus of evergreen tropical plants of the Malvaceae family. Today, about 30 varieties of this fruit are known, which grow in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. These plants are large trees with weak branching. They have supporting roots and ordinary leaves. It is noteworthy that out of the known 30 varieties, only 9 are suitable for food.

Description

Durian flowers are large, whitish or reddish, depending on the variety. They can develop not only on branches, but also on trunks. They are pollinated not only by bees, but also by bats, since durian blooms from dusk to night for no more than 8 hours. The fruit of the plant has a particularly hard shell with characteristic spines. This feature allows you to protect unripe fruit from animals. It is because of its appearance that the fruit acquired its name, which translated means “thorn” or “thorn.”

Despite the fact that it grows not only in Malaysia, Thailand, India and Indochina, but also in South America, the Asian fruit is in great demand among gourmets. It is grown in a more comfortable climate and ripens from spring until the end of the summer season. It is collected when the fruits fall to the ground on their own. According to general description, in terms of dimensions, durian reaches the parameters soccer ball. Weight varies from 2 to 10 kg, the shape is often elongated. Sometimes the fruit even reaches a length of up to 30 cm, while the diameter can be 20–25 cm.

No matter how big the durian may seem, more than half of its weight comes from the skin rather than from the juicy flesh. The inside of the durian has white walls and is divided into segments. Each “compartment” contains 3–4 yellowish seeds. As a rule, inside the fruit there are 5 compartments, approximately equal in size. Four of them are filled with pulp, and the fifth contains seeds.

Peculiarities

Distinctive feature fruit is the fact that it has a disgusting smell. Therefore, few people immediately believe that durian can be eaten. It smells so bad that you can't take it into public places. Not only can you not go into a store or take a taxi with it: the ban even applies to carrying it in an elevator, as indicated by the special sign of the fruit crossed out with a red line. This is explained by the fact that the fetid spirit of the Thai fruit cannot be eliminated by any means. That is why exotic durian cannot be stored or transported. The stench is so terrible that it is difficult to describe, but the pulp itself is different divine taste, for which durian is called the king of fruits.

Taste ripe fruit with a smooth texture it is sweet. It is rich, somewhat like a mixture of banana, mango, pineapple, papaya and vanilla. As for the smell of the shell itself, it can be compared to a cross between the “aroma” of sewage, rotten fish and rotten meat, or the smell of a corpse. Some even think that in this stench one can discern the smells of a ton of rotten onions, because some tourists shed tears when meeting durian. As for the amount of pulp inside the fruit, there is not very much of it: a lot of it is in the thick peel with thorns. The pulp of a ripe fruit itself has no spots, it is of the same consistency and color.

Composition and calorie content

The foul smell of durian is explained by the fact that the fruit contains sulfuric acid. Exotic fruit it is rich in proteins, fats and carbohydrates, it contains many vitamins, and is distinguished by the absence of cholesterol. Delicious pulp rich in ascorbic, nicotine and folic acids. It contains niacin, carotene, riboflavin, calcium, iron and phosphorus. As for calorie content, one hundred grams of durian contains 145 kilocalories. These data are typical for raw and frozen fruit. However, an excess of durian in food can cause obesity.

Benefits and harms

This unusual Thai fruit has certain beneficial properties. For example, having organic sulfur in its composition, durian is rightfully recognized as one of the unique exotic fruits. Indole, which is a source of organic sulfur, is especially necessary for human body, as it has bactericidal qualities. Due to its dietary fiber, durian is effective against constipation. It perfectly absorbs water, due to which peristalsis is accelerated and carcinogens are removed from the body. This nuance helps prevent intestinal cancer.

Durian is also effective against anemia, as it is a measure of its prevention. It improves the condition of hair and skin, and also has a positive effect on strengthening bones and thyroid gland. In addition, it helps in the treatment diabetes mellitus and has a positive effect on work digestive system. The exotic fruit is also good for migraines and depression. Being an unsurpassed aphrodisiac and containing a huge amount of estrogens, durian is responsible for normalizing female hormonal levels, which is important for every woman. It is worth noting that this affects not only the general condition of a woman, but also her fertility.

It is also useful for men's health. Durian can be used to help restore energy. It not only helps cleanse the skin, but also gives it elasticity and firmness. Due to the phosphorus content in the pulp together with potassium, it not only strengthens teeth, but also treats some gum diseases. Moreover, the use unusual fruit has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

However, in addition to beneficial properties for the human body, durian has both negative sides. For example, no matter how tasty it may seem and how much you want to eat it, it is contraindicated for pregnant women. In addition, it should not be used when breastfeeding. Eating durian can also affect blood pressure, so hypertensive patients should eat the pulp of the fruit with extreme caution. Otherwise, this is fraught with sudden surges in pressure.

There are other restrictions, if ignored, the use of durian can cause significant harm to health. For example, you need to take into account not only incompatibility with alcohol, but also the time period between which you cannot drink after eating durian. As a rule, in order not to harm your health, you need to wait at least four hours. In addition, you need to understand that the fruit cannot completely replace any meal.

You should not eat more than two hundred grams at a time, combining the fruit with other foods. And also one cannot ignore the likelihood of individual intolerance and allergic reaction. There is evidence of this: in some cases, a rash, an allergic runny nose, and even swelling of the nasopharynx are noted.

How to choose?

Despite the fact that durian is quite expensive (about 5–20 US dollars), tourists rarely manage to avoid the temptation to taste the exotic. Sometimes this fruit They are sold already peeled on a substrate. However, not every fruit has a true divine taste. In order not to get into trouble, and not to be disappointed with the fruit, which even in its native country cannot be transported and exported again, it is worth considering the following nuances:

ripe fruit differs from others in that it is split; if its peel begins to crack (mainly into 5 slices), then this is the first sign of a good fruit;
as soon as the peel cracks, the fruit begins to exude aroma, and it is the edible part of the durian (its pulp) that smells;
if a rotten part is noticed on one side, such a fruit is not suitable for eating, moreover, its pulp will have clots, which should not be in a good ripe product;
to buy good fruit, you should take a closer look at the peel at the location of the tail, you can even sniff it: the more pronounced the aroma, the riper the fruit actually is;

The peel of a ripe durian differs in the color of the thorns - in a good ripe fruit they are yellow with brown tips;
You can also pay attention to the mobility of the thorns - if the fruit is unripe, when you touch them they remain motionless, ripe fruit they are a little mobile;
You can also determine ripeness by sound, for which it would be useful to tap on the casing - a dull sound will indicate immaturity, while the one you need will be accompanied by loud sounds and a characteristic internal gurgling.

The pulp of a ripe fruit is different in appearance; the ripe fruit is soft when pressed and is slightly pressed. In thickness it resembles raw dough. Some even associate it with cream whipped with fruit.

When purchasing, you can ask the seller to peel and cut the fruit. An experienced seller is usually interested in buyers, so he will try to select the best fruit. As for transportation, a tourist will not be able to bring a piece of exotic food home: durian cannot be exported, and they will not be allowed on the plane with it.

How to eat?

In fact, it would be wrong to categorically call eating durian with a spoon. Everyone experiences fruit differently. Many people, because they dislike the bad smell, even hold their nose and at the same time put a piece of pulp in their mouth. It is worth considering that this fruit does not go well with vodka, so you cannot drink it with it. No matter how much you want to feel like a gourmet, The fruit does not combine with alcohol at all. Ignoring this nuance can cause severe stomach irritation.

The fruit itself can be eaten not only fresh. It is often boiled and also added to National dishes. It has a unique taste that everyone associates with different products. While some people think it’s fluffy cheese, others are sure that it even resembles vanilla pastries. They eat durian in the first 3–4 hours after purchase, but try not to bring it indoors.

If you don't want to use a spoon, you can break off pieces of the tender pulp with your hands. Durian is often added to cocktails, cut into slices. Popular with tourists and dried fruit. It does not smell so strong, so it does not scare off buyers. In cooking, the fruit is also used as a seasoning different dishes. To do this, they take not the pulp, but the seeds. When the pulp is removed, one of the shells is used for salted water, which is used to wash down the durian. Among different recipes noteworthy are the pies with unusual fruit filling, for which chopped pieces of fruit are used.

As for gourmets, after several samples they stop noticing the unpleasant smell and claim that the taste overcomes all negative emotions. They are sure that in order to fully reveal the taste, durian should be washed down with lightly salted water. In addition, it is considered one of best desserts durian sliced in marinade coconut milk. If upon purchase it turns out that the fruit is not yet ripe, do not be upset. Of course, it will no longer be possible to reveal all its taste qualities, but it is quite suitable for food.

In this case, it can be used as a vegetable. For example, it will be delicious if you stew it, fry it and serve it with a side dish.

How to open?

If the fruit is purchased unopened, you will have to do the cleaning process yourself. The idea is to crack the hard shell and scoop out the pulp. A regular plate or plastic container is first prepared for it. The pulp is removed with a spoon or by hand and transferred to a prepared container. If you do not plan to eat the durian right away, it is better to use a container and transfer it there tasty part fruit and tightly closing the container.

Is there any way to store and transport it?

In a relationship fresh fruit we can say unequivocally: no. If the fruit is open, you should eat it immediately. There is no way to store it; it is useless to even wrap it in layers of thin film - it will not retain its qualities. Despite the fact that there is an opinion to the contrary, where a storage period of 5 days is indicated. Freezing the fruit is also not recommended, because, in addition to the loss of beneficial properties, it will also lose excellent taste. However, in dried form, like candy or even candied fruit, the fruit is quite transportable.

In addition to the fact that such options can be used to export durians from exotic countries, they will also be stored for a long time. Therefore, upon arrival home, you can treat your household to extra-tasty desserts.

What else is interesting about durian?

Durian can reach a height of up to 40 meters. These trees are quite spreading. The fruit is considered a national delicacy for children. During the holidays, it is important to eat it with the whole family in one sitting. This eating is elevated to a certain ritual; in addition, the fruit is given healing and rejuvenating powers. In Thai culture it is considered a medicine.

The pulp of the fruit will allow you to create incredibly tasty milkshakes. In addition to dried fruits and chips, it is added to ice cream. You can fry it like regular potatoes. It is added to pumpkin fish soups and even prepared as jam. At the same time, in national cuisine This is a fairly common component of the formulation. It is delicious with sweets, sugar, and salt along with other vegetables.

Important! The foul odor differs among different subspecies of durian. The size of the fruits also varies, with smaller ones smelling less strongly. The location of the bones also differs.

Difference from jackfruit

Durian is often confused with jackfruit, because in appearance there really is a similarity. However, there are differences from jackfruit. For example, its spines are not so pronounced, and it weighs more. In addition, it is considered a fruit breadfruit, reaches up to 30 kg in weight and has a pear-shaped shape. And also one of the differences is the fact that jackfruit has milky juice, which determines its stickiness and viscosity. In this case, not only the pulp is saturated with juice, but also the peel itself. You have to wash your hands more often with oil after contact with such a substance.