Is durian delicious? Durian fruit - food for the elite

Durian fruit is the most unusual of its kind. As a rule, those who have tried it at least once are divided into two categories - those who liked it incredibly and those who will never try durian again in their lives. The fact is that this fruit has a delicious pulp, but at the same time its smell is so disgusting for most people that it cannot even be brought into public places.

The durian, the king of fruits, is still a mystery not only for gourmets, but also for scientists. There is no other fruit or vegetable on Earth that smells even remotely similar. We are used to the fact that all fruits smell pleasant or neutral, and it is still not clear what causes this specific smell.

Where does durian grow?

This mysterious fruit grows in Asia, where it was discovered 600 years ago. It is also popular in Malaysia, where it got its name, which in translation into Russian means “thorn” or “thorn”, in Indochina and India. It is also harvested in the Australian tropics and South America, but the Asian sample is still the most popular. Durian thrives in a humid tropical climate and desirable low-lying conditions.

durian season

The peak of durian fruit ripening occurs in the spring and summer periods. Time frames may vary slightly depending on specific climatic conditions, but in general, durian ripens in tropical countries from early spring to late summer. An interesting fact is that durian blooms for only 8 hours - with sunset, the flowers fall off. It is also important that the fruits of this fruit are not harvested, but wait until the durian itself falls to the ground.

What does durian look like

The durian fruit is distinguished by its weight and solid size. So, the weight of a ripe fruit starts from 2-3 kg and can reach up to 10 kg, and in size it can resemble a large soccer ball. It has an elongated shape - it is usually about 20 cm to 30 cm long, and the diameter is equal to the length from 15 cm to 25 cm. However, most of the weight and size is made up of a dense massive skin with spikes, there is not too much pulp inside.

By the way, this fruit has the full name durian zibethinus, which comes from the scientific Latin name of the plant "Durio zibethinus". They also distinguish such a subspecies as kutey durian (from the Latin Durio kutejensis), whose homeland is Indonesia, as well as the island of Kalimantan. This variety is small in size compared to its more common counterpart - a fruit of only 20 cm in length and no more than 12 cm in diameter, and smaller durian leaves. Its rind with thorns is quite soft, so you can easily hold the fruit with your bare hands. In general, the peel and flesh are quite soft and elastic, and, remarkably, there is no that disgusting pungent smell that durian is traditionally famous for. Only the inside of the fruit is edible.

Selecting and storing durian

The exotic fruit durian must be carefully chosen so as not to spoil the first impression of this mysterious oriental delicacy. Follow these steps:

note the top of the fruit, from which the tail extends. You need to sniff the peel well in this area - the more pronounced the aroma is, the more the fruit will please you with its taste;
you need to pay attention to what sound it makes. Tap on the peel, and if you hear a dull sound in response, then most likely the fruit should be left to ripen. A ripe fruit should not respond with loud tapping sounds, you can only hear a quiet gurgling inside - this indicates that the fruit is already ready to eat;
carefully inspect the durian spikes, their color will tell about their ripeness. When ripe, the spines should be yellowish with brownish tips.

It’s definitely not worth keeping in an apartment and any other room - this will be indicated by a pungent smell that the fruit will exude. Therefore, the ideal option is to eat it immediately after purchase and, moreover, do not leave it open for longer than 5 minutes. You can place the fruit in several layers of a dense film for storage, but still the smell will make itself felt. If you decide to bring durian as a souvenir from an exotic trip, then you will not be able to do this - they simply will not be allowed into the airport premises with it. But all kinds of ready-made desserts from this fruit - chips, sweets and candied fruits can be safely stored for a long time and taken out of the country in unlimited quantities.

Freezing is also not the best solution, because at low temperatures it will lose not only taste, but also all its useful properties.

What does durian smell like?

Durian is truly the stinkiest fruit in the world. It is because of this that it is practically not exported and is consumed exclusively in the place of growth, so many tourists do not lose the opportunity to try this fruit, which smells bad, during their holidays.

We can say that it smells differently for everyone, so there is no exact definition of its smell. However, it is unanimously noted that it is precisely unpleasant notes that prevail in the aroma. So, for some, it resembles a mixture of the smell of rotten eggs and boiled onions, dirty socks and sewage, garlic and stale fish, and sometimes you can find descriptions in which there is a touch of turpentine. The unpleasant smell of durian has long been a legend, so most people want to try at least a piece of this outlandish fruit. However, after cutting the fruit and the flesh of the fruit and smelling it, many refuse to taste its flesh.

How to eat durian

What is the right way to eat durian? It must be fresh, seasonal fruit. Eat it immediately after purchase for several hours without bringing it into the room. First you need to peel the pulp, and then after opening you have two options - break off the pieces with your hands or use a spoon. Of course, doing it with your hands is faster and easier, but the smell is so corrosive that it will be very difficult to wash it off the skin of your hands. Scooping out the pulp with a spoon is somewhat more difficult, but the smell will not haunt you for a long time.

Durian is also often added in slices to exotic cocktails. Dried durian is no less popular, because in this form it no longer has a pungent odor, and most dare to try it without fear.

Thais prefer to drink this fruit with slightly salted water, in their opinion, this is how the taste is fully revealed. Thai gourmets also prefer a dessert marinated in coconut milk in the form of pieces.

If you come across an unripe edible fruit, then you can use it as a vegetable - for example, fry in oil, stew and serve with a side dish.

durian flavor

The taste and smell of durian is incomparable, but the reasons why it stinks so much are still not clear. From the first time, rarely anyone manages to taste the pulp and understand the whole flavor spectrum. However, it is worth trying 2 or 3 times, and you will definitely not remain indifferent. It is worth noting that in nature it is impossible to find two durians identical in taste and smell - not only the variety and place of growth, but also climatic conditions, storage time and quality, and many other factors matter here. Yes, the king of fruits has a sharp aroma, but its taste is something subtle and multifaceted.

So, the taste of durian is difficult to describe in words, so you just need to try and form your own opinion.

Calorie content and chemical composition

The calorie content of durian will interest those who are used to taking care of their figure. 100 g of pulp contains 147 kcal, which can be called the average value for a fruit. The chemical composition is as follows: calcium, potassium, sodium, manganese, magnesium and phosphorus, zinc and iron. 100 grams of fruit also contains:

65 grams of water;
23.3 grams of carbohydrates;
1.5 g of proteins;
5.3 grams of fat;
3.8 grams of fiber.

What is useful durian

Highlight the beneficial properties of durian for the body. The beneficial characteristics of a fruit like durian extend to the cardiovascular system, women's and men's health systems, and more.

energy wealth

The beneficial properties of durian are due to the fact that it contains copper, iron and potassium, as well as folic acid and B vitamins. And sucrose and fructose in the composition help to quickly restore energy.

Prevents anemia

Thanks to vitamins, trace elements and iron content in the composition, it has a beneficial effect on the entire circulatory system, so regular consumption of this fruit is useful for those who have suspicions or diagnosis of anemia.

Beneficial effect on the skin

For women, it will be a pleasant plus that regular consumption of the fruit allows you to give the skin elasticity and firmness, as well as cleanse it thanks to the fiber and dietary fiber in the composition.

Against diabetes

The composition of durian is rich in manganese, so its intake is not only allowed for diabetes, but is even indicated because this element reduces blood sugar.

Treats constipation

This fruit is high in fiber, which aids digestion by promoting regular stools and ultimately helping with chronic constipation.

Strengthens bones

Saves teeth

Calcium alone is not enough to strengthen teeth, while durian contains phosphorus, which, together with potassium, makes teeth strong and heals gums.

For the thyroid gland

The benefits of durian for the hormonal system are invaluable. It is rich in copper, folic acid, which, along with iodine, has a beneficial effect on the thyroid gland and ensures proper functioning.

Helps with depression

Eating durian, like any fruit, helps fight depression. Trace elements and vitamins in the composition have a beneficial effect on the body as a whole, including those organs whose improper functioning provokes depressive states.

Improves digestion

Vitamins and minerals with an abundance of dietary fiber facilitate digestion, and regular use improves bowel function in the long term.

Relieves migraines

Durian has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, failures in which are often the causes of migraine development.

Durian Contraindications

And also during lactation. Those suffering from hypertension should know when to stop - excessive use will cause a pressure surge.

Durian has such a disgusting smell that you are unlikely to be allowed into a public place with it. However, if you overcome disgust or just 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 imagine that all this is the absolute truth. Durian has such a "pleasant scent" that you should not 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 yourself will be able to verify this after you taste the pulp, which has a truly divine taste. 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 by all means try durian.

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

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

Durian is an evergreen tree - a giant growing up to 40 meters in height. It has shiny and leathery leaves that are slightly pointed and alternate. The upper part of the leaves is smooth, while the opposite 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 off by dawn. The main period of fruit ripening is the beginning of spring, and ends at the end of summer.

How to choose

The purchase of durian should not be trusted to the seller, but to do everything yourself. This purchase will require special attention during off-season, because it is then that bad durians are often found on the shelves. When pressed, the fruit should be slightly soft. Overripe fruits are very soft, and unripe ones do not give in to pressure at all.

The maturity of this product can also be determined by the condition of the spines. If they move, then the fruits are of high quality and ripened, but if they are motionless, then he still has to lie down.

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

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

How to store

It is best to immediately eat durian, but in a different situation, you can resort to storage. It should be noted that this fruit can not be placed in the refrigerator. At room temperature, this product can be stored for 5 days, but no more. Do not keep durian with other fruits.

In cooking

The seeds of this amazing fruit have been used in cooking for centuries. They are mainly used as a condiment. These fruits have a strong acrid smell 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.

Most often, durian is used to make 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 it is quite an expensive delicacy for children. Buy it only for the holidays. On this day, the whole family should sit down at the table and eat the whole fruit in one sitting. For the Malays, eating durian is a real ritual that can be compared to meditation. In absolutely all Asian countries in which durian grows, it is considered a medicinal plant. These fruits have long been credited with rejuvenating power.

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 lord turned to the magician, who gave him the fruit. The king gave the girl a taste of the fruit, and she immediately fell in love with him. The ruler was so glad that he forgot about the magician without thanking him. The magician became so angry that he cursed these wonderful fruits. When the lord came for a new fruit of love, he did not find it, but only a prickly and disgustingly smelling fruit. The king was overcome with anger and threw him to the ground. He was very surprised when he found a "love mass" inside, which is why 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 relatively low in fat and high in carbohydrates. Its excessive use can lead to the appearance of 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 medicinal properties

Durian is considered a unique fruit due to its organic sulfur content. It is she who is the cause of its characteristic and not very pleasant aroma. It is the only fruit with sulfur in the world that is edible.

An unpleasant odor is a characteristic sign of the presence of indole in fruits. It should be noted that highly diluted indole has a completely opposite aroma of jasmine. It is very useful because it has a bactericidal property.

At the beginning of the last century, many pharmacies began to sell Dur-India tablets, the main component of which was durian and a very rare Indian onion. The latter is very rich in vitamin E. If within a few months, regularly use this drug, then the body will receive concentrated vital energy, which will make it stronger and more tireless. These pills also have a positive effect on the human spirit, making it younger and clearer.

Durian has a 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 the head. To relieve skin inflammation, use a decoction of the leaves and fruits of durian. When bile spills, you should take a therapeutic bath from the leaves of this exotic fruit. The ash of this plant is used in the postpartum period.

The king and unconditional favorite of lovers of exotic fruits is durian. The fruit has the famous "bad" flavor and unsurpassed original appearance. Despite the fact that the inside of the fruit contains a surprisingly creamy pulp, the durian is covered with rough spines that implicitly protect it from intrusive encroachment.

Where is the fruit found? What is he?

Durian is considered the king of fruits in southeast Asia, where the fruit was, in fact, discovered about 600 years ago. Its inimitable taste and softness captivated all the locals, 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 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 fruits ripen?

The tree itself is an evergreen giant with shiny fleshy leaves, the upper part of which is smooth and attractive, while the lower part is more rough 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 advent of the first rays of dawn, it completely resets the color. The king of fruits, durian, ripens in the spring and summer: Thailand enjoys ripened durian during the rainy season (from mid-April to September), the wonderful Philippines, more precisely, the island of Davao, feasts on fruit all year round, and beautiful Indonesia treats itself to creamy pulp in the winter months.

Properties

The exotic fruit durian is considered an unsurpassed aphrodisiac, its pulp contains a shock amount of estrogen, which normalizes the hormonal balance of women and, accordingly, childbearing. 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 in itself.

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

People's opinion

As for the very taste of an unusual fruit, those who have tasted the king are divided in opinion. Some consider the taste to be unsurpassedly soft, cheesy with hints of ripe nuts, while others highlight the invincible taste of custard burnt in places, and still others - bright notes of strawberries, bananas and onions. 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 prepared on its basis. And skilled Vietnamese hostesses even preserve the pulp and prepare durian juice. As the only disadvantage of the fruit, the Vietnamese highlight the 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:

for starters, it’s worth scrupulously sniffing the smell of the fruit in the tail zone: the richer the aroma, the tastier its pulp will be;
then it is worth knocking on the greenish-brown peel of the durian - if an empty muffled sound is heard in response, then the fruit is not ripe, only a barely audible gurgling sound can tell about the ripeness of the fruit;
the final indicator of maturity is the color of the durian thorns: they must be slightly yellowish and their tips slightly brown.

How to eat?

The next stage of acquaintance will be eating fruit. It is necessary to eat very quickly such a capricious fruit durian. Reviews of 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 no more than 5 days from the date of purchase, but it is worth saving the king from a possible neighborhood. Durian is a rather active fruit, its aroma can easily ruin nearby vegetables and foods.

It is worth feasting on the fruit in an open space, without leaving pieces “for later”. Constant contact with oxygen turns the already rotten smell of fruit into unbearable. Also, experts from Vietnam advise not to buy harvested and peeled durian: during storage in a plastic container, the smell will only intensify and the taste of the pulp will become too meager.

How to divide the fetus?

You can share the exotic king of fruits yourself, but for this you should carefully examine 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 slice, the pulp is hidden in the form of a yellowish chamber. Each compartment has a bone that can be easily tucked away and pulled out with a knife.

With what to combine the fruit?

Ripe and high-quality fruit is amazingly satisfying. Its creamy consistency makes it easy to spoon or pair with fruit salads, some also describe coffee or candy durian. Fruit, a photo of which can be found in many modern cookbooks, is often rejected or replaced by housewives with mango or avocado. But it is worth opening and cutting the fruit correctly, and many opponents of the exotic fruit join the ranks of its admirers. Especially gourmets highlight a 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 are afraid to try because of the smell that the durian fruit gives off. What it smells like - rotten sweetness, sometimes rotten meat and spices, and many consumers emit a tart, rotten smell of fish and onions. To get used to the obsessive aroma of the king, it is worth inhaling the air in small sips, and eating the slices with a held breath, this will perfectly balance all the receptors and it will become easier to eat a specific fruit.

There is a lovely tale about how durian appeared. The fruit was created as a result of the spell of a sorcerer who tried to help the king in love to achieve the favor of the chosen one. The king, who treated the beauty to a fantastic creamy fruit with an unsurpassedly delicious aroma, completely forgot about gratitude to the sorcerer. He, angry, cursed all existing durian fruits. After the wedding, the king decided to once again taste the fruit of charming love, but the tree met him with thorny fruits with an invincible putrid smell. Angered, the king broke the plucked fruit on the ground and only then saw that inside the pulp was the same as before.

Expert discussions. Contraindications

Many experts discuss the durian fruit. The beneficial properties of this fruit are quite stunning, many decide to try an exotic fruit without really knowing about the side effects of the fruit. Durian is contraindicated in people with high blood pressure and women during pregnancy and subsequent feeding. Too active intake of the fetus can lead to allergic reactions. Also, do not use durian for people with individual intolerance to vitamins or certain substances, which are very numerous in the composition of the fruit pulp.

Chinese opinion

The Chinese, on the contrary, glorify durian. The fruit is easily shared among the smallest members of the family, and little kids decide for themselves how much to eat the fruit at a time. Specialists in medicinal plants attribute to durian an unsurpassed ability to renew the cells of the body. With regular use, its human body rejuvenates, 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 forbid people with a predisposition to magnificent forms to get involved in durian. A tasty fruit can add a couple of kilograms in the shortest possible time.

What do they think about the fetus in Asian states?

Many Asian countries categorically prohibit the introduction of durian into public places, especially transport and hotels. The specific aroma of the fruit does not disappear for several hours, and sometimes days (overripe fruits have a corrosive putrefactive 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 king - from the smallest and almost odorless fruits to the largest and insanely delicious durians. The season of mass ripening and trading in Thailand falls on hot May and August. Exotic fruit lovers plan their holidays in advance in order to get to the durian feast in time.

Going for a walk through Thai markets and shops, you will see a lot of bright and unusual fruits. There are many that you may not even have heard of. There is probably not a single person whose gaze would not stop at the mysterious fruit, outwardly resembling a large prickly hedgehog. That's it this "wonder of nature" has an unusual name - durian. We will talk about it in this article.

To date, 34 types of durian have been discovered, but not all of its types are allowed for consumption. Only 9 are considered edible and in most cases they have the most unpleasant odor. Durian is a fruit that can be recognized from thousands by its appearance and smell.

It has either a round or oblong shape, and its diameter reaches up to 20 centimeters. The surface of the fruit is covered with large dense spikes, which creates additional protection from curious animals. This is a rather large fruit, its weight sometimes reaches 8-9 kilograms. It is painted in light green or yellow.

Inside the fruit is an edible pulp, which can be of a wide variety of colors, ranging from white to pale pink tones. Having cut the fruit, you will find 5 departments in it, approximately equal in size. In one of them seeds ripen, and the rest are filled with edible pulp.

durian season

The abundance of tropical fruits in Thailand can be observed all year round. But if you have a desire to try something new and specific, then it is worth planning the right time for a vacation here. The season when durian will be sold in all Thai markets, starts at first half of April and ends in September. Of course, even before that it can be found in various supermarkets, but only the price and quality will obviously not impress you. At the peak of the season, its price drops to 40-50 baht per kilogram, which makes it affordable for everyone.

In supermarkets, fruit prices usually range from 120-150 baht per kilogram. But again, the tastiest and freshest fruits are always sold in local markets.

The smell of durian

Durian is recognized as one of the healthiest fruits, as it contains many vitamins and minerals. But its special smell sometimes causes disgust, and many refuse to try the fruit. To a greater extent, this applies to guests of the country, as the locals treat him calmly.

The smell can be explained by the fact that durian contains sulfuric acid. Cutting the fruit, it interacts with oxygen and oxidation. Unpleasant sensations do not come immediately, it should take a few minutes. The smell of durian has been compared to anything, such as the smell of sewers, dirty socks, or rotten fish. But many generally prefer not to smell it, because its smell is so unpleasant. Resting in Thailand, you can often witness the following picture: trying to try durian for the first time, Russian tourists cover their noses with their hands.

In Thailand, as in many other countries, it is forbidden to bring durian with you to a hotel, as well as take it on a plane. The thing is that its smell is so stable that it can remain indoors for a long time and it is quite difficult to remove it from there. If the fruit gets on bedding or clothes, then they will have to be washed, as it will haunt you for a long time.

But do not worry about the fact that after eating a piece of fruit, you will have bad breath. These are all myths. If you like the fruit, eat boldly and don’t worry about anything.

Durian is such a specific fruit that it is simply impossible to give an unambiguous definition of its taste. Here we can safely say that how many people, so many opinions. For some, it resembles a cheese-nutty taste, for some, the taste of boiled onions, for some, it causes the most unpleasant associations. Some, having tasted it, get such delight that they are ready to eat it all the time, for others - the desire for further tasting disappears after the first small piece. We can definitely say only that durian will not be able to leave anyone indifferent.

The taste of durian reminded me of potatoes with garlic and rotten cabbage. I was never able to love this fruit and I find it disgusting in smell and taste.

The inhabitants of Thailand almost all compare its flavor with a sweet cream, which includes an egg and milk. Perhaps in connection with this, he received the unofficial name "King of all fruits."

Beneficial features

You can talk about the benefits of durian for hours. And this is no coincidence, because it contains all the most necessary vitamins and minerals. To a greater extent, it is potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron, vitamins of groups B, A, C. Please note that this is one of the most high-calorie fruits, 147 kcal per 100 grams of the product. After eating a small piece of fruit in the morning, you can forget about food for several hours.

Due to its unique composition, durian is able to normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular system, improve digestion, increase immunity, and it also acts as a sedative.

The estrogens in durian increase women's chances of getting pregnant. Also, this fruit is useful for men.

Durian pulp can raise body temperature, which is why it should not be combined with alcohol.

The scope of the fruit in Thailand is very wide. On its basis, various ice creams, sweets, pastries, toothpaste, coffee and much more are produced.

How to choose the right durian?

When choosing a ripe juicy durian fruit, you should not pay special attention to its peel. The fact is that there are several varieties of this fruit, and not always the green peel will speak of its immaturity. There are several rules to follow when choosing:

Give preference to those fruits on which cracks appear. This will indicate that he is fully matured and begins to open himself.
The smell of the fruit should be slightly tart.
The inside of a ripe and fresh durian will always be tender and soft.
If you find a durian tree, then you should take those fruits that themselves fell. That's when you get the juicy fruit.
When tapping on the peel, a dull sound should appear. This will speak of maturity.

When purchasing an already cut fruit, carefully look at its pulp. It should have a delicate shade and not contain any spots on itself. Its color is usually light yellow or slightly beige.

The most correct option for acquiring a fruit is to choose a whole fruit. But in this case, ask the seller to clean and cut it for you. Remember that the more durian is cut, the richer and more unpleasant its smell will be.

How to peel and eat durian?

Since this fruit still remains exotic for us, it’s easier to buy it in the market and let it be cut for you there.

After splitting the hard shell, the pulp is taken out on a plate or in a special plastic container. It is most convenient to eat durian with a spoon, but the locals manage to cope with this task perfectly without it.

It is not advisable to eat fruit at night, as it has a tonic property and sometimes it is difficult to fall asleep.

Store durian in a separate container, tightly packed. If you leave it open in the refrigerator, then all other products will be saturated with its smell.

Contraindications

The first thing you should pay attention to when using durian is that it is absolutely incompatible with alcohol. Not only can the fruit not be washed down with these drinks, but it is also not advisable to drink alcohol for at least 3-4 hours after the fruit.
It is not advisable to eat more than 200 grams of fruit in one day. If you are trying it for the first time, then do not combine durian with other products.
Allergies may occur, resulting in a rash, runny nose, and in rare cases swelling of the nasopharynx. Therefore, start your acquaintance with the fruit with a small piece.
Durian can increase blood pressure. Having a tendency to such problems, you should refrain from tasting the fruit.

Thailand is a country of exotic fruits. And what could be better than trying something new and unusual. Do not deny yourself pleasure. You may not like durians as much as I do, or maybe you will get a new favorite treat in a tropical country. Also read about others, among them there are many unusual and incredibly tasty.

Durian is one of the most unusual healthy tropical fruits in the world. His 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 are not fully understood.

What does durian look like and where does it grow?

The name comes from Malay words, resulting in the phrase "prickly fruit". Indeed, durian is a large ball of oblong shape, yellow or greenish in color. The weight is up to eight kilograms, the diameter is up to thirty centimeters, it is covered with long pyramidal spikes. When cut, durian looks like a large walnut, divided into hemispheres. It consists of five chambers, with white streaks, each of which contains yellow or yellow-red flesh.

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

Taste and smell of durian

This healthy fruit does not leave anyone indifferent. Taste qualities are so ambiguous that everyone associates them with something individual. Most agree that the taste of durian is similar to a delicate cream of milk and eggs. For many, it is a favorite fruit, others cannot be in the same room with it.

This is due to the specific smell. Despite all the benefits, because of the unpleasant aroma, many do not dare to try.

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. Compare the smell emitted with sewerage or stale socks.

Important! In countries where a useful fruit is common, it is forbidden to take it with you on a plane and to a hotel, since the unpleasant aroma does not disappear 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 speaks of maturity and the focus of benefits.

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

The chemical composition and calorie content of durian

It has a huge number of useful 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.

The composition also includes useful micro and macro elements:

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

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

The composition does not contain elements that are harmful to the body. The benefits are huge for many organs and systems.

What is useful durian

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

It is the only edible fruit containing organic sulfur. This is a useful element that 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 balances blood sugar, which is beneficial for diabetics. It also fights aging, promotes the removal of toxins, has natural anthelmintic, antiviral properties.

Due to the high content of minerals, it benefits the cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems. In addition, it has bactericidal properties.

Due to its high calorie content and fiber content, it is very nutritious. It quickly saturates the body, and the feeling of hunger recedes 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 baby.

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 useful, but pregnant and lactating women can be harmful, so they need to be treated with caution.

There is no categorical prohibition. A woman carrying a child can herself assess her condition and the opportunity to taste the fruit. Useful properties will bring benefit to her and the baby. But if a pregnant woman suffers from edema and high blood pressure, it can be harmful and exacerbate problems.

How to Eat and Peel Durian

Despite the variety of forms (dried, jam), fresh raw pod has the most useful properties. Only fully ripe 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. For more detailed instructions for cleaning durian, see the video:

What is dangerous durian

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

individual intolerance to the components can lead to allergic reactions;
it is forbidden to eat for people suffering from hypertension, as it increases blood pressure;
period of pregnancy and lactation;
the simultaneous use of durian and alcohol is prohibited and extremely dangerous.

Durian and alcohol

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

Durian in cooking

Useful properties, as well as its delicate taste, ensured constant use in various recipes.

Cocktails, ice cream and jam are prepared from it.
It is also used to make a specific dessert popular in Thailand. It consists of glutinous rice doused with coconut syrup and sugarcane juice. It has pieces of durian added to it.
No less we love durian dodol. This kind of pie is a hardened baked mass of durian pulp, glutinous rice, sugar and coconut milk.
The seeds are used as a seasoning.
In Indonesia, mint sauce is prepared from the pulp, which is served with rice.
Used fried as a side dish for meat.

What is the difference between jackfruit and durian

Jackfruit in Thailand is no less popular than durian. This is also an extremely useful fruit, which has a 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 a breadfruit tree, the fruits are huge, weighing up to thirty kilograms. In the process of growth, it is covered with green thorns, when ripe, these thorns become less pronounced. Ripe jackfruit has a gray-brown color. Its seeds are used for food, they contain milky juice, which is very difficult to wash off from skin and clothes.

They also differ in appearance. If the durian pulp is two large oblong halves, the jackfruit seeds are small, randomly located inside the fruit.

How to choose a durian

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

to the touch it should be soft, but also elastic at the same time; kinks in one direction and the other indicate immaturity or overripeness;
the spikes must be mobile, otherwise it indicates immaturity;
when tapping, a dull sound should be heard;
an unpleasant odor should not be distinct;
color can be green or yellow;
the fruit should not be peeled, as it has a short shelf life;
the surface should be free of stains and damage.

How to store durian at home

Peeled durian is not stored, it must be consumed immediately, otherwise all useful properties will be lost. And in an unpurified form, it can lie for two days at room temperature, in the refrigerator - up to five days.

To prolong the shelf life of durian, they make a kind of dried fruit out of it. But for this, the pulp is not just dried, but marshmallow is made - this method allows you to save the benefits and taste.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of durian are incomparable. Due to the content of a large number of 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, abstain from alcohol.