“ To eat Durian is a new sensation worth a
voyage to the East to experience … as producing a food of the most exquisite flavour it is unsurpassed.”
FOOD & CUISINE
Durian
The King of Fruits
Story & Photography by PIE RIVERA
“ To eat Durian is a new sensation worth a
voyage to the East to experience … as producing a food of the most exquisite flavour it is unsurpassed.”
— Alfred Russel Wallace( 1856) British Naturalist
rich with custard-like TEXture and having a pleasing mildly sweet flavor encased in a powerful thick and thorny green-brown husk, shaped from round to oblong and can weigh from two to eight kilograms and possess a striking scent that many find to be devastatingly rancid. This is Durian, the King of Fruits.
In Southeast Asia where the King of Fruits is abundant, many regard this with unfathomable appreciation to be overly addicting with its distinct and heavenly taste while numerous individuals blatantly repel with utter disgust of its overpowering aroma which many find offensive. Varying opinions have been expressed over the centuries. Those who revere durian describe its aroma as resembling roasted almonds with an incredible taste unlike any other fruit suited for the gods. Quoting a British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace in his 1856 writing that“ to eat Durian is a new sensation worth a voyage to the East to experience … as producing a food of the most exquisite flavour it is unsurpassed.” While a British novelist Anthony Burgess wrote that eating durian is“ like eating sweet raspberry blancmange in the lavatory.” A lover of durian, celebrated book author of Kitchen Confidential Anthony Bourdain has this to say“ Its taste can only be described as … indescribable, something you will either love or despise … your breath will smell as if you’ ve been French-kissing your dead grandmother.”
Durian 101
There are many cultivars of durian and most are named after the letter“ D.” The King of Fruits is native to South and East Asian countries like Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. Durian may not be a native of Thailand but the country is one of the major exporters around the globe. Other Asian countries have grown this fruit, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore and other tropical areas like Hawaii, Polynesian Islands and even as far as Madagascar.
The edible part known as the aril which we refer to as the“ flesh” usually accounts for only one-third of its weight. From cream-colored to yellow hue, the pulp is divided lengthwise intro five parts, with each part is further separated with three seeds. The most common practice to spot a good durian is through the fresh and solid stem. Fruit must also be shaken to test whether the seeds are moving, thus indicating it’ s ripe for eating.
Benefits of Durian
Being the King of Fruits, Durian is packed with vitamins and minerals unlike any other fruit. According to USDA, it is rich in vitamins B, C and E, potassium and fiber.
Vitamin B like Riboflavin helps treat headaches, Vitamin B6 and amino acid tryptophan which produces serotonin that affects our mood that are found in Durian are known to alleviate cases of depression, insomnia and stress, thus creating a euphoric feeling after consuming ample amount of the fruit. From the B vitamin group, it’ s also a good source of niacin, B5 and B-1 or thiamin which our bodies require. B9 or Folate helps in the normal production of red blood cells. A cup of Durian also provides sufficient amount of Phosphorus which aids calcium to build teeth. It has potassium which is an important nutrient that conserves calcium to achieve healthy bones and helps control the heart rate and blood pressure.
Durian has one of the highest levels of protein which is a good muscle builder. Eating Durian helps lower cholesterol and is an excellent source to cleanse our blood as well as regulate the blood
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