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5 Facts About Durian

Nicknamed “the king of fruits,” the durian is a tropical fruit that’s particularly popular in Southeast Asia. Renowned for its powerful smell and unique taste, this fruit intrigues just as much as it divides. For centuries, it’s been used in various Asian cultures for its nutritional benefits and culinary properties. Here are five fascinating facts about this legendary food.

1. Spiny shell

Native to Malaysia, the durian is popular in the southeastern part of Asia, where it’s nicknamed “the king of fruits.” The durian is the largest fruit in the world, weighing up to 15.43 pounds (7 kilograms). Its greenish and spiny exterior–which inspired the design of Singapore’s performing arts centre–protects the cream-yellow pulp segments within, which contain hard grey pits. The rich and creamy texture of its flesh is often compared to that of the avocado. When it comes to its taste and scent, however, that’s a whole other story…

2. Forbidden fruit

It’s definitely the durian’s odour, once cut into, that can be surprising. It’s often compared to aged camembert, garlic, onions, old socks and burnt rubber, but also to pineapple, caramelized bananas and toasted almonds. The durian’s scent is so strong that, in certain Asian countries, it’s banned in public spaces, such as public transit, hotel rooms and airports.

3. Smell to survive

It is likely that the need to attract large animals capable of swallowing big, round pits is why the durian has developed this scent, which is at once strong and complex. It contains hundreds of volatile sulphur compounds, much like the ones in garlic and overcooked eggs. Its odour, which can spread over a kilometre, serves as bait for it to be eaten and to have its pits dispersed within nature.

4. Highly nutritious

In Asia, the durian is eaten raw. It can be turned into traditional confectionery and desserts. It is especially sold frozen whole or in peeled pulp pieces. The durian is very nutritious: it’s rich in vitamins C and B6, manganese and potassium. It contains about 5% unsaturated fat, the same kind found in olives and avocados.

5. Varying opinions

If you’ve tried durian and didn’t enjoy the experience, you’re not alone! Among North Americans, there are those who love it and those who loathe it. According to some sources, its enjoyment increases with use. It’s an acquired taste, as is the case for certain cheeses which may have an unappealing scent, but once eaten, release a taste that’s much more pleasant. And then you end up hooked. One thing’s for certain, eating durian is an unforgettable adventure!

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