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Durian
What is the Durian ?
The durian is a one-of-a-kind tropical fruit.
It is well-known in Southeast Asia, where it is known as “the king of fruits.” Durian is nutrient-dense, with more nutrients than most other fruits.
Its pungent odor, however, has earned it a poor reputation.
This page will provide you with all of the information you want about durian.
The spiky, rigid outer shell of the durian distinguishes it as a tropical fruit.
It has a strong odor, custard-like flesh, and big seeds.
There are various types, but the most common is Durio zibethinus.
The flesh of the fruit might vary in hue. It is usually yellow or white, although it can also be red or green.
The durian is known in Malaysia as “suri,” which literally means “thorn,” in reference to its unique form.
There are over thirty distinct types of durians, with just 10 of them being consumed globally. This ovoid-shaped fruit has a light creamy flesh that is surrounded by a greenish prickly shell that should be handled with extreme caution to avoid damage.
Durian is still forbidden in public areas (particularly hotels and airports) in various countries due of its sickening odor, which is likely to annoy others around you.
Durian grows in tropical places across the world, most notably in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand in Southeast Asia.
The fruit may reach a length of one foot (30 cm) and a width of six inches (15 cm). The edible pulp of a normal durian fruit weighs around 2 cups (486 grams).
Durian may be found in both sweet and savory cuisines. The creamy flesh and seeds are both edible, albeit the seeds must be cooked.
The flavor is characterized as tasting like a combination of cheese, almonds, garlic, and caramel.
Durian fruit is commonly used in the following cuisine preparations:
side dish juice seeds, boiled or roasted soup sweets, ice cream, and other desserts
It's also utilized in traditional medicine and has certain medical characteristics that are being researched right now.
Traditional Malaysian medicine has employed all parts of the durian plant, including the leaves, husk, roots, and fruit, to cure a variety of diseases, including high fever, jaundice, and skin disorders.
According to studies, durian fruit has the following health advantages.
Reduces the risk of cancer. Its antioxidants have the ability to destroy cancer-causing free radicals.
Durian extract stopped a strain of breast cancer cells from spreading in a test tube research.
Prevents the onset of heart disease. Several chemicals found in durian may help lower cholesterol levels and lower the risk of atherosclerosis, or artery hardening.
Defends against infection. Compounds in the rind have antibacterial and anti-yeast effects.
Reduces blood sugar levels. Because durian has a lower glycemic index (GI) than many other tropical fruits, it is less likely to raise blood sugar levels.
While many of these research are promising, many of them were conducted on animals or in test tubes. No concrete claims can be made until controlled human research on durian's health benefits have been completed.

What Are The Nutritional and caloric values of Durian ?
Durian is an unusual fruit in terms of flavor, scent, and appearance. In fact, this Asian fruit is unlike any other. It may weigh up to 8 kilograms, and its meat is protected by a thick thorny shell. When durian is overripe, it emits a terrible stench that has given it a negative reputation. However, durian has certain nutritional benefits to give us, and it would be a shame to deny ourselves of them.
Durian characteristics
Fiber supply; vitamins and minerals source; significant fat content; energy source; stimulates intestinal transit
Durian is unlike any other fruit in terms of nutrients. It has more calories per 100g than the great majority of fruits, with 147 kcal per 100g. It is a carbohydrate source that supplies energy to the body swiftly. Another amazing fact is that, unlike other fruits, the durian has a substantial amount of lipids, more than 5%.
Durian is high in dietary fiber, which helps to enhance intestinal transit, relieve constipation, and improve digestive health. Last but not least, durian is high in micronutrients. It's also crucial to note how high it is in potassium, magnesium, and copper, all of which are essential for the proper functioning of our organs.
Nutritional and caloric values of Durian
For 100 g of Starfruit Or Durian :

Nutrients | Average content |
Calories | 147 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 27.1 g |
Fibers | 3.8 g |
Protein | 1.5 g |
Lipids | 5.3 g |

Why should you eat Durian ?
There have been very few research done especially on this fruit. Durian has a glycemic index of 49, which is slightly lower than that of other tropical fruits such as bananas (62). Durian contains bioactive elements such as carotenoids, anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, much like all other fruits.
** Contains a lot of dietary fiber.
Despite the absence of conclusive research on durian, we can state that it contains significant amounts of dietary fiber. Fibers play a variety of activities in the body, including stimulating intestinal transit, promoting digestive health, preventing constipation, and regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Finally, they have a satietogenic effect, which allows for better food intake regulation.
** source of energy
Durian is a source of carbohydrates, which are the preferred fuel for human cells. As a result, durian consumption allows the body to access energy more quickly. Durian also includes vitamins that help the immune system and are engaged in different metabolic activities.
** Richness in micronutrients
The potassium in durian is an important component of muscular contraction and nerve transmission systems. Magnesium, on the other hand, is necessary for appropriate muscle and nerve function. It is closely linked to the body's calcium and potassium metabolism. Finally, zinc is an important trace element that aids in the support of immune defenses and aids in the battle against oxidation, which causes our cells to age prematurely.
1 cup (243 grams) of pulp provides:
357 calories
13 grams of fat
Carbohydrates: 66 g
9 grams of fiber
4 grams of protein
80 percent of the daily value of vitamin C (DV)
61 percent of the daily value for thiamine
Manganese: 39% of the Daily Value
Vitamin B6: 38% of the daily value
Potassium: 30% of the daily value
Riboflavin: 29% of the daily value
Copper: 25% of the daily value
Folate: 22% of the daily value
Magnesium: 18% of the daily value
Niacin: 13% of the Daily Value
Durian is one of the most nutritious fruits on the planet because of its nutritional profile.
Anthocyanins, carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids are among the beneficial plant chemicals found in it. Many of these have antioxidant properties.

How can you choose the finest Durian and properly store it?
Durian is a fruit grown in South Asia, the Pacific Islands, and a few South American nations. The Malvaceae family includes this threatening-looking fruit. When durian is overripe, it has a horrible stench, but when fully ripe, it has an almost creamy texture and a distinct flavor. Its flavor appears to be similar to custard.
If you're traveling to Asia, durian is a must-try fruit. Otherwise, as compared to other more frequent fruits on our shelves, its nutritional composition isn't very impressive.
We want a fruit with an undamaged peel that is slightly yellow when we buy it, as this suggests that it is ripe. You must slip a knife into one of the grooves to open the fruit.
For the best possible conservation,
At room temperature, durian may be kept for up to two days. It is preserved in brine in Malaysia so that it may be enjoyed all year.

How to prepare Durian ?
Durian can be eaten plain with a spoon or mixed into yogurt, ice cream, and pastries. It may also be made into a jam by cooking it. In Asia, it's served with “sticky” rice. Finally, it can be dried and utilized in the preparation of fruit pastes. It will be utilized to produce surprise and delicious dishes for the more brave.
The use of durian seeds
Durian seeds can be roasted whole or toasted in a nut roaster.
On the other hand, durian seed powder is utilized in the confection of candy.
Dessert with durian is a risky proposition.
Once the durian's flesh has been tamed, it may be used as a basic component by pastry makers. Fruit mousse, dessert creams, and various macaron ganaches would all benefit from the latter. As a result, durian can be used alone or in combination with other ingredients. It pairs nicely with fresh flavors like red fruits, citrus, and so on.

What are Durian contraindications and allergies?
There are just a few contraindications to eating durian. Because this is a relatively unfamiliar topic in Europe, there are limited data and research available. Initially, durian isn't thought to be a major cause of digestive problems or typical allergic responses. It should be taken in moderation and as part of a diverse diet due to its high fat and calorie content.
An incredible supply of… fats!
Durian has a fat content of more than 5%, which is 20 times that of bananas. This explains why it has a higher calorie content than most fruits. As a result, it should be used in moderation and only on rare occasions. It may induce weight gain if used in excess.
Potentially harmful in combination with alcohol
When used with alcohol, it has the potential to be hazardous.
Consuming durian with alcohol at the same time might lead to complications.
Scientists believe that sulfur-like chemicals found in durian hinder specific enzymes from breaking down alcohol, resulting in higher blood alcohol levels.
Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and heart palpitations may occur as a result.
If you want to be safe, don't eat durian and drink alcohol at the same time.

Why does Durian smell so strongly?
The odor of Durians has been compared to decaying flesh, turpentine, and gym socks.
If you've ever smelled a durian, you're undoubtedly familiar with it. The renowned Asian fruit has such a strong odor that it is forbidden from the Singapore Rapid Mass Transit system even with the husk intact. “Its stench is best characterized as… turpentine and onions, garnished with a gym sock,” food critic Richard Sterling said. It has a strong odor that may be detected from a distance of several hundred yards.
However, a tiny percentage of people enjoy the scent and flavor of the fruit. It's “indescribable,” according to Anthony Bourdain, “something you'll either adore or hate… Your breath will smell like you've been French-kissing your grandmother who is no longer alive.” The flesh of the fruit may be eaten raw or cooked and used to flavor a variety of Southeast Asian meals and desserts.
It's also utilized as an aphrodisiac and anti-fever medication in traditional Asian medicine. Our “Off the Road” column featured a couple of brave travelers who embarked on a year-long trek to sample several durian kinds.
Because of their strong odor, Durians are prohibited from using public transportation and other public areas in Singapore.
Everyone can agree that the fruit's odor is exceptionally intense, whether pleasant or unpleasant. A group of scientists from the German Research Center for Food Chemistry has published a new research in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry to try to figure out how the fruit creates such a strong odor.
Using a mass spectrometer and a gas chromatograph to break down fragrance extract from Thai durians, the team, lead by Jia-Ziao Li, identified 50 distinct chemicals in the fruit that are responsible for its unique aroma. There were eight chemicals that had never been found in durians previously, as well as four compounds that were utterly new to science.
According to their findings, the fruit's strong odor is caused by a complex blend of compounds rather than a single component. The chemicals are recognized by their chemical formulae, which are likely enigmatic to anybody without an organic chemistry degree (1-sulfanyl ethanethiol, for example), but the study team linked each one to a specific odor.
What's intriguing is that none of the chemicals individually appear to fit the typical durian aroma – they range from fruity to skunky to metallic to rubbery to charred, roasted onion, garlic, cheese, onion, and honey. Cooked beef, yeast extract, dried squid, and leeks are just a few of the foods that have been shown to contain them. The combination of these 50 compounds creates a strong perfume that has both enchanted and disgusted people all over the world.
Durians are a scientific marvel, even without the fragrance. The enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), which is needed by the liver to break down alcohol, is highly inhibited by durian extract, according to a 2009 Japanese research. This might explain a portion of old Asian mythology, according to which being inebriated while eating durians can result in death.