Durian Fruit: Beyond the Smell – Exploring Benefits, Eating Techniques, & Cautions

Introduction

Let’s talk about an exotic and dangerous fruit called Durian.

If you have never heard of the Durian fruit – let me show you a thing or two I have learned about this magical fruit that is the most foul potent smelling fruit in the world. This fruit has also killed many people over the years from the heavy spiny fruits falling from the trees onto people.

Imagine a fruit so controversial it’s banned from some public places because it smells so bad. The smell of durian can be detected up to 100 yards away, downwind, yet it is intensely delicious for most people if they choose to try it. Some people, like my father, can’t get over the smell, which some say resembles baby vomit or worse, so they won’t be courageous enough to give it a try.

Durian can grow very large—up to 7 to 10 pounds. The skin of the fruit is protected by hundreds of needle-sharp, very hard spines. The shell is very hard and tough, with a unique green or brown spiny pattern and exterior. Beneath this armor lies a treasure trove of flavor for the courageous few who will try it.

(Picture above) As you can see the extremely sharp and dangerous hard spines that literally cover the entire fruit, and can become the size of a football or medium sized cannon ball.

Many people refer to durian as the King of Fruits. Durian has a very complex taste profile that is both passionately loved and vehemently despised at the same time. This blog post will explore a little history, varieties, and the controversy surrounding its taste, health facts, dangers from above, and more, unraveling the mystery behind this exotic delicacy.

If you have not tasted durian, you should definitely give it a try. Believe me, I couldn’t stand the smell of durian until I tried a piece. Then the smell didn’t bother me any longer; it was quite unusual but also delicious at the same time.

If you ever get the chance to smell or even try a ripe durian – I am sure you will be glad you tried it, I guarantee you 🙂

What Is Durian Fruit?

Durian fruit is easily recognizable by its tough, formidable exterior, which is completely covered in sharp, thorny spikes. The etymological name for durian itself comes from the Malay word for thorns. Typically, a durian is quite large, ranging from the size of a football to that of a small watermelon, and can easily weigh 4 to 8 pounds.

The spikes on the outside of the fruit are so sharp and pointy that you can’t even hold the fruit in your hand. Its spiky outer shell, combined with the weight of the fruit, makes it nearly impossible to hold, causing discomfort or puncturing pain to the skin. The spines of the durian are a combination of colors ranging from green to brown.

Native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, durian is primarily found in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Borneo, Sumatra and is grown in many other tropical countries like Hawaii.

The fruit is notorious for its strong, sulfurous odor, which has been compared to everything from sour cheese to the smell of baby vomit and even onions. Despite its infamous smell, many people find the flavor of durian irresistible.

When Durian Really Does Kill People

Who would think that a piece of fruit could kill someone?

There are many stories and past written accounts of durian fruits being used as catapults to throw the sharp fruit at its rivals. The fruit has been used in the past as a very sharp heavy ball that was used also as a weapon to drop from above causing injury or even death.

Here are a few excerpts from the article Death By Durian about some of the people that have died from durian injuries.

“November 28: Malaysia. The saddest news I heard all year, a 1-month-old baby named Mohd Yusuf was killed when a durian fell on him while his mother was carrying him through the yard. She had stepped out of the house to collect the laundry at around 3 p.m. when the 2 kg (4lb) durian struck the baby on the head.” – See More: Baby Boy Killed by Falling Durian in Jawi. The Star.

March 16: Bali. An elderly woman named Ni Wayan Pur, age 80, was killed when a huge durian tree fell on her house in Petak Kaja village, Bali, during a huge windstorm. This is unfortunately not all that uncommon. Although durians can grow to about 150 feet, they have remarkably shallow roots and are susceptible to high winds, not an uncommon occurrence in the typhoon plagued tropics. In September, a family of six was lucky not be at home when a durian tree destroyed their house. – See More: Durian Tree Lands on House, New Straits Times. Death and Injury Bali Windstorm. Jakarta Post.

July 13: Malaysia. In what was termed a freak accident, Lam Fook Chee, age 68, lost his balance while transporting a large basket of durian on his motorcycle near Raub. The durians fell on his head, killing him on the spot. – See More: Durian Kills Elderly Man. AsiaOne News.

Once you get past the hard spiny shell without getting hurt – the custard-like fruit is ready to try with usually around 5 fruit pods inside.

Article on Fatal Accidents from Durian Fruit

https://coconuts.co/bali/news/bali-man-killed-falling-durian

Durian trees can grow up to 150 feet tall and have hundreds of 2-10 pound fruits on the tree. As you can see, in high winds, storms, or just when the fruit ripens, it can fall on unsuspecting people under the tree.

Why is Durian fruit loved or hated?

In many parts of the world, durian is as famous, cherished, and loved for its divisive taste and smell as it is for its uniquely dangerous appearance. The unique flavor and smell of durian are often described, but it is impossible to really explain how it tastes. To me, the fruit pods are a combination of sweet, creamy, fatty, and a highly flavorful one-of-a-kind taste that is hard to explain. Some durian fruit varieties sometimes have hints of caramel, vanilla, and even, some say, a little bit of garlic.

Again, I would say it’s like a rich, creamy custard texture with subtle undertones that can be intensely pleasurable or putrid and offensive, depending on one’s palate.

The bottom line is you will love it or hate it.

The smell is where the real controversy begins. Durian has a long lasting pungent aroma that can fill an entire room and the smell can travel a city block or more from just one fruit.

Once you know the smell of durian you will always know when durian is in season. Its scent has been likened to sulfur, rotten onions, or even some say even like the smell of turpentine or baby vomit. Many people, usually tourists, are very offended by the putrid smelling odors and has led to durian being banned in many public spaces, including hotels, subways, and airports in parts of Southeast Asia.

A Brief History of the Durian fruit

Durian has been cultivated in Southeast Asia for hundreds of years, long before it caught the attention of Western countries. Written accounts in ancient texts mention the durian’s presence in the region as far back as the 15th century. The first European accounts of durian appeared in the 17th century, often featuring mixed reactions to the fruit’s unique qualities.

Just recently, over the past 10 years or so, durian has grown in popularity in international markets, with demand rising in countries like China, the United States, Canada and Australia. Its unique taste, smell and nutritional benefits have helped it gain a reputation beyond its native regions, turning it into a worldwide phenomenon.

As you can see in the picture above, the durian fruit is 4-8 pounds in size, thorny, and very dangerous if one of them falls from the large durian tree onto someone.

How are Durian Fruit Harvested?

This is a short video showing how dangerous harvesting durian can be. The young boy is catching the fruit in a burlap sack as it drops from 20 ft above. Harvesting the Fruit – in Thailand.

Here is another interesting short video to watch at a Durian farm, Durian Haven.

Popular Durian Varieties

Several varieties of durian are popular in Southeast Asia and other countries, each with its own distinctive flavor profile:

• Musang King: Often regarded as the most prized durian variety, Musang King is known for its creamy texture and bittersweet taste. It is highly sought after for its deep, golden-yellow flesh.
• Monthong: This is the most common variety found in Thailand. It is known for its large size, sweet flavor, and pale yellow flesh.
• D24: This variety has a buttery texture with a hint of alcoholic aftertaste, making it a favorite among durian aficionados.

Other regional varieties include D101, Red Prawn, and XO, each with its own unique combination of taste, aroma, and texture.

Health Benefits and Concerns of Durian

Durian is more than just a polarizing fruit; it is also a nutritional powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. It is rich in vitamins (such as vitamin C and B-complex vitamins), minerals (like potassium and iron), fiber, and healthy fats. Here are a few potential benefits:

• Digestive Health: Raw fruits and or fermented durian promotes healthy digestion and helps to prevent constipation.
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Durian’s natural sugars have a low glycemic index, which may help stabilize blood sugar levels.
• Energy Boost: The fruit’s carbohydrate / sugar content can provide a quick energy boost, making it a good snack for active individuals.

However, just like anything in life, moderation is the key. It’s important to consume durian in moderation. It is a high-calorie fruit and can contribute to weight gain if eaten excessively.

Additionally, certain compounds in durian may interact with medications, so it is advisable to consult a doctor if you are taking any medication.

How to Open And Eat A Durian Fruit

Eating durian can be a dangerous adventure in itself. Here are some tips to make sure you get the best experience. I always use gloves on my hands to protect my skin from the spines:

• Ripeness: A ripe durian will have a slight softness when pressed, and a stronger aroma around the top of the fruit. A gentle shake to the fruit should reveal a slight rattling sound, indicating that the flesh inside is soft and ready to eat.
• Opening the Durian: Durian shells are notoriously tough to crack. It’s recommended to use a knife and thick gloves to avoid getting pricked by the sharp spikes. Look for the seams or natural splits in the shell and insert the knife, prying it open carefully.
• Eating: Fresh durian is best enjoyed raw to savor its full flavor right out of the shell. However, durian can be also used in a variety of dishes, sauces, from desserts like durian ice cream and cakes to savory recipes such as curries and sticky rice.
• Durian can be fermented and is very healthy to add to the intestinal microbiome. When fermenting fruits and veggies, they become medicinal.

Further Research see Earther Academy videos on Fermentation:

Summary

Durian is a fruit like no other—a paradox of intense aroma and delicious taste that divides opinion like no other. Its unique smell, complex flavor, spiny armored body, and significant cultural impact make it deserving of its title as the King of Fruits.

Whether you love the taste or despise the smell, durian remains a fascinating delicacy for many and has captivated people around the world for centuries. If you’re adventurous, give durian a try – you might be surprised by its hidden charms!

Trust me, once you taste durian, the next time you smell some durian in the distance, it will actually smell good or in a different way that is more pleasing instead of putrid.

Hope you enjoy this “Durian Fruit: Beyond the Smell – Exploring Benefits, Eating Techniques, & Cautions” Video 🙂

Dr. Robert

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