Known as ‘the king of fruits’ or ‘the smelliest fruit in the world’, the durian has generated polarized opinions between those who love it for its flavor and those who cannot stand its pungent smell.
Native to Southeast Asia, the durian is not only famous for its aroma, which has led to its prohibition in public places such as hotels and transport, but also for its reputation as a true delicacy and its nutritional value.
What is durian?
The durian is the fruit of trees of the genus Durio, belonging to the Malvaceae family , with around 30 different varieties.
Considered one of the rarest fruits in the world , the durian is a tropical fruit that grows in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Oval in shape , it can reach up to 30 centimeters in length and weigh up to 3 kilos . It stands out for its unique appearance, covered in sharp spines that protect its valuable pulp. This characteristic gives rise to its name, which comes from the Malay word duri , meaning ‘thorn’.
Inside, it contains yellowish or whitish meat with an unparalleled flavor , described by some as a mixture of almonds, vanilla, and a hint of caramelized onion .
However, this peculiarity is accompanied by its strong smell , which has been compared to strong cheeses, fuel, and even rotting garbage.
Its nutritional value, its role in local economies and its growing demand in international markets make it a key player in the world of tropical fruits.
Characteristics and benefits of durian
Durian boasts numerous properties that make it a nutritional treasure. Its creamy pulp is rich in essential nutrients, making it a functional food in many Southeast Asian countries.
It stands out for its high fiber and vitamin content , such as vitamin C and B vitamins (such as riboflavin, niacin and folic acid).
It is also an excellent source of antioxidants and minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sodium, and zinc.
This provides several benefits such as:
- Immune system boost : thanks to its vitamin C content, it helps prevent infections and improves overall health.
- Improves cardiovascular health : its high potassium level regulates blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Healthier skin : Antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids fight free radicals, promoting younger and more radiant skin.
- Support for the nervous system : minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus contribute to the proper functioning of the nervous and muscular systems.
- Prevention of anemia : iron and folic acid promote the production of red blood cells, preventing fatigue and other symptoms of anemia.
- Digestive health : its fiber content regulates intestinal transit and improves digestion.
The smelliest fruit in the world
The durian is so well known for its pungent aroma that it has been nicknamed ‘the smelliest fruit in the world’ .
In fact, its smell is so intense that it is banned in many public areas in Southeast Asia due to complaints about the difficulty of eliminating its persistent aroma, which can permeate furniture, carpets, and walls.
In some countries, such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, this fruit is banned in many hotels and on public transportation like buses and trains. Explicit signs with images of the fruit have even been posted to warn passengers. Furthermore, some taxi drivers refuse to allow passengers to bring it into their taxis.
The distinctive aroma of durian comes from a combination of volatile chemical compounds present in its pulp. Studies have identified more than 40 different compounds responsible for the smell, including esters, ketones, and sulfur compounds .
These latter are the main culprits behind its strong aroma, which some describe as a mixture of rotten onion, strong cheese, and gasoline.
How to eat durian
To enjoy it properly, it is important to know how to open it and which parts are consumed, as well as the most popular ways to eat it.
- Put on gloves before handling durian to protect your hands from the sharp spines on its shell and minimize contact with its strong aroma.
- With a sharp knife and carefully, cut the durian stem and make a small incision in the top of the shell.
- Pull the visible lines on the peel , which mark the joints between the inner segments of the fruit, in opposite directions to open the peel.
- Remove the fruit pods and detach the pieces of pulp with your hands or a spoon.
- Inside each pod is a large seed, which is not edible . You can remove it or eat it by edging around it.
- Avoid refrigerating it without sealing it properly, as its smell can permeate other foods
- Consume durian in well-ventilated spaces to minimize the impact of its aroma.
The most common way to eat it is raw . For those looking for something different, durian can be transformed into smoothies or drinks by blending its pulp with milk or coconut water, creating a refreshing and energizing beverage.
In addition, it is widely used in desserts such as ice cream, cakes and flans , where its flavor and aroma are softened.
Finally, there are the famous durian chips , dehydrated slices that offer a crunchy texture and a more subtle flavor, ideal for those who prefer to try it in a lighter way.
How to grow durian
The durian is a tropical fruit that requires specific climatic conditions to thrive, limiting its cultivation to warm, humid regions. Therefore, it is typically grown in Southeast Asia, where rich soils and a monsoon climate favor its production.
- Temperature and humidity : It needs constant temperatures between 24°C and 30°C, as well as high humidity and adequate sunlight exposure.
- Soil : It prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter, being sensitive to saline or clay soils. Slightly acidic pH, between 6 and 6.5.
- Watering : It needs consistent watering, especially during the growth phase. However, waterlogging should be avoided, as it can cause root diseases.
- Pollination : flowering occurs at night, and the main pollinators are fruit-eating bats.
- Harvesting : Durian cultivation is laborious, as the tree takes between 4 and 6 years to bear fruit, depending on the variety. Hand harvesting is used to avoid damage, as the durian can detach from the tree naturally when ripe.
Currently, Thailand is the world’s largest producer and exporter of durian , known for varieties such as Monthong. China, while not a producer, is one of the largest importing markets , driving global demand.
Durian in Spain
In Spain, durian is still an exotic and relatively unknown product , but its popularity has been growing among lovers of Asian cuisine and those curious to try this unique fruit. Although it is not cultivated on a large scale in the country due to climatic conditions , it can be found in specialty shops and markets that import Asian products.
There have been isolated attempts to cultivate durian in greenhouses or controlled conditions in Spain, but there is no record of successful commercial production.
