Durian: The Ultimate Guide to Buying and Eating

Durian is a unique fruit that originates in Southeast Asia and is famous for its distinct taste, texture, and aroma. It is commonly referred to as the “King of Fruits” in Southeast Asia because of its overpowering and pungent smell and flavor. Despite its divinely sweet taste, the fruit has both lovers and haters. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about durian, including how to buy and eat this exotic fruit.

What Is Durian?

Durian, also known as ‘the King of Fruits’ in Southeast Asia, is a large, spiky, and greenish-yellow fruit that has a delicious creamy flesh. The fruit is native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei but is also grown in other parts of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and Thailand. Durian is a tropical fruit tree that belongs to the family of Malvaceae.

Durian’s Appearance

Durian is a spiky fruit that has a slightly oblong shape, with sizes ranging from very small to large. The fruit’s exterior has a hard and prickly rind that ranges from green to brown, and it is completely covered with thorny spikes that can be hazardous if a person doesn’t handle them carefully. The interior of the fruit has creamy and yellow flesh that contains thick seeds that are not edible.

Durian’s Flavor and Aroma

Durian is known for its unique aroma and strong flavor, which is why it’s the most debated fruit in all of Southeast Asia. For people who love really flavorful and intense fruit, durian could be the ultimate food, as it is a combination of bitter, salty, and sweet, with a musky smell. Some people describe the fruit’s taste as a mixture of nuts, cheese, and onions, while others say that its taste is akin to vanilla custard or sweet custard apple. Durian’s aroma is due to terpenes, a compound found in the fruit that gives it its strong smell and has been compared to household items such as gasoline, socks, or rotten onions.

How to Buy Durian

When buying durian, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to ensure that you get the best fruit.

1. Look for a Good Reputation Seller

If you’re searching for fresh and good quality durian, look for a vendor with a good reputation. Vendors who have a consistently good quality of durian with a proven track record are the ones you should look for. This guarantees getting good quality durians that satisfy your taste buds.

2. Don’t Just Rely On Your Sense Of Smell

Contrary to most fruits, the smell of durian is the opposite of an indication of freshness. A pungent, sometimes not-so-pleasant smell could signify that the fruit is overripe or the flesh is fermented. A good-quality durian should not have a strong smell, rather a slight mustiness, which indicates that the fruit is fresh.

3. Check the Appearance

If you’re looking at durians that have an obvious ripening line, then it’s more likely that the fruit is ripe and ready to eat. While looking at the durian’s thorny exterior, search for cracks or soft spots; it may mean that the durian is overripe and is not good to eat.

4. Consider the Type of Durian

Ask your vendor for the type of durian before purchasing. There are various kinds of Durians available that have different flavors and textures. For instance, one of the popular types is the Musang King, which is known to have a very sweet taste and is easily identifiable due to its specific aroma. The D24, another type of Durian, has flesh that is less sweet than Musang King, but it has a firmer texture.

How to Open a Durian

Opening and eating durian is an experience, but it requires some knowledge, especially for newbies. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to open a durian:

1. Check Whether It’s Ripe

Before opening, shake the fruit gently and listen for a sound from the seeds. Drop the fruit from a lower height; the sound, similar to that of a shake, signifies ripeness.

2. Prepare Your Workspace

Place the durian fruit on a clean and smooth surface that is preferably covered with newspapers or specifically designed durian work mats. This eliminates the juices from the fruit, which can be quite messy.

3. Locate the Natural Seam

Locate the durian’s seam, which splits the fruit into 2 halves. The seam is located at the bottom of the fruit’s base, opposite to the stem end.

4. Split in Half

With a sharp and large knife, cut along the line, which you discovered in step 3. Ensure you’re using a strong and sharp knife since the fruit’s hard shell can sometimes cause injuries or accidents.

5. Slice the Flesh

Using your fingers, pry the durian’s shell apart, and expose its flesh. We recommend using a spoon to scoop out the flesh and eat it directly.

How to Eat Durian

When eating durian, here are some helpful tips:

1. Try Small Pieces First

Durian is an intense fruit, and its taste can be overwhelming for some individuals. Try small pieces before you dig in, which allows you to know whether you can handle its intense flavor.

2. Savor the Aroma

Surprisingly, durian’s aroma is an essential aspect of the eating experience. The aroma of the fruit assists in preparing your taste buds for the intense flavor you’re about to taste.

3. Eat Fresh Durian Only

Fresh durian guarantees the best taste experience. When durian is overripe, it undergoes fermentation, leading to a soft, soggy texture that’s not so pleasant.

4. Pair It With Other Foods

Durians have a powerful flavor, which can match well washed down with unsweetened tea, lukewarm water, or beer. In contrast, some local Southeast Asian cuisines like sticky rice, coconut, and coffee typically go well with durian.

5. Store Remaining Durian

Put the remaining fruits back in the fridge or freezer, where they can last for several days.

Where to Find Durian

Durian can be found in the wet market or local grocery stores in Southeast Asia and other countries. The availability of the fruit, particularly in many Western countries, isn’t easy though, and you may have to refer to various specialty stores or markets.

The Health Benefits of Durian

Durian has remarkable health benefits that you should know about. Below are some of the health benefits you can expect when you consume durian:

• Nutrient-Dense: Durian is a nutrient-dense food that contains various vitamins and minerals, and it’s abundant in dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and iron. It also has an impressive protein and fat profile, which makes it an excellent source of macronutrients.
• Help with Digestion: Durian contains high levels of fiber, which assist with healthy digestion.
• Improve Your Skin: Durian contains vitamin C, which is useful for maintaining healthy and glowing skin.
• Boosts Energy: The high carbohydrate content in durian leads to an increase in energy levels and helps fight fatigue.
• Can Prolong Life: Research has shown that durian has antioxidant properties that help combat free radicals, thus can help in prolonging your lifespan.

Conclusion

Durian is an exotic fruit that is highly sought after worldwide, particularly in Southeast Asia. Whether you eat it fresh off the tree or processed into durian-based snacks, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression. By applying the tips mentioned above, you’ll be able to make more informed choices about buying and consuming durian while helping you make the most of the delicious and flavorful experience.