Durian: what is it, useful properties and contraindications

Durian is an amazing plant. It combines an unbearable smell and a delicate sweet taste. It is useful and rich in vitamins, but excessive consumption is dangerous to health.

The flesh of the fruit is tender, but on the outside it is covered with prickly thorns. From these spines and derives its name - in Malay, the word "durian" means "thorn".

What durian looks like and where it grows

In the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, Brazil, and Africa, large evergreen trees with stumpy roots grow amazing green or yellowish fruits. Depending on the species, durian trees reach a height of 25-50 meters. Its leaves never fall off and remain green year-round, reaching 10-18 centimeters in diameter.

The plant is thought to have originated in the region of Borneo and Sumatra and was brought to what is now Myanmar about 400 years ago. The durian was then actively cultivated in Thailand, East Vietnam and other countries. In Europe, it first became known in the 15th century, as described by the traveler Nicolo Conti.

Durians, which are sold in stores and markets in Asian countries, are grown on special plantations. In Thailand, the fruit is considered one of the national symbols, because most of the population is engaged in work related to its cultivation and sale. Thailand is the world's number one seller, followed by Malaysia and Indonesia.

Durian is oblong or round in shape, 20-30 centimeters in diameter and may weigh as much as 8-9 kilograms. However, usually the fruit sold in markets and stores weighs about 1 kilogram. Inside the fruit is divided into five chambers, each of which contains a creamy pulp and a seed.

Taste and Smell of Durian

Those who have tasted durian describe its taste in different ways. To some it resembles a creamy dessert with banana and pineapple flavors, while others feel vanilla, onion, papaya, and nut cream. Most of those who have eaten durian agree that no other fruit has a similar flavor. Everyone also agrees that durian has an unbearable smell.

Durian contains organic sulfur. This is partly responsible for its unique flavor, which has the putrid smell of rotten fish, rotten onions, sewage, household gas, stale socks, and garlic. In many countries, it is strictly forbidden to bring fresh durian fruit into public places, including hotels and airports. In Singapore, warning signs in transport list bans on smoking, drinking and eating, carrying flammable cargo, and showing up with durian. The pungent smell is too strong, and tourists are left with only memories of the wonderful taste or the processed fruit.

It is important to remember that there are about 30 species of durian in total. Their flavor and aroma may vary, also the taste varies greatly depending on the degree of maturity of the fruit. For example, the most popular variety, Mao Shan Wang, has a bittersweet taste and a bright yellow color flesh. The Red Shrimp and Green Bamboo varieties will appeal to sweet lovers, as they have a sugary aftertaste. The Shaw variety is known for its light alcoholic flavor. Those who want to try durian for the first time are advised to choose the D24 variety, as its flavor combines the main characteristics of the fruit.

Because of its variety, it is often said that it is difficult to like durian the first time you taste it, as it can be disappointing. However, after the fifth time, there is not a single person left who has not become a fan of this fruit.

The difference between durian and jackfruit

Durian and jackfruit resemble each other only in appearance. The jackfruit is often much larger, less spiky, and shaped more like a pear. The smell of jackfruit is also peculiar. It is believed that the ripe fruit can be distinguished by the aroma of a rotten onion. Inside the jackfruit is a viscous pulp and seeds that are edible. The milky juice inside the fruit contains latex, which is why it is better to cut the jackfruit with gloves and clothes that you can wash without getting them dirty.

Composition and calories

Durian contains 65% water, 24% carbohydrates, 5% fat and 4% fiber. The fruit is unusually rich in vitamins and trace elements: vitamins A, C, group B, folic acid, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper and zinc. This is an impressive list of nutrients that can be obtained from durian. Only durian contains organic sulfur, which is part of the nerve, bone, cartilage, hair, skin and nails.

There are approximately 147 kcal in 100 grams of the fruit.

Durian Benefits

General benefits

1. Sulfur, which is especially important for durian, is found in some of the most important amino acids, enzymes, proteins, hormones, including helping balance blood sugar and slowing down aging.
2. Durian has a warming effect and the temperature of the internal organs rises when consumed. Southeast Asians even say that they can sleep without a blanket after eating durian. However, modern scientific research shows that durian does not warm the body, but only causes increased sweating.
3. The indole found in durian is a natural antiseptic. It aids in curing infections. People in Asia use durian for colds and other illnesses.
4. The potassium in durian helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels and the heart muscle.
5. Regular consumption of durian helps normalize blood sugar levels.
6. Durian is considered beneficial for anemia and increases hemoglobin levels.
7. Infusions of durian leaves and roots are used as an antipyretic.
8. Durian can help the nervous system, reduce irritability, defeat insomnia, improve mood, and even get rid of depression.

For Women

Durian contains substances that resemble the natural female hormone estrogen, so it can help the reproductive health of women. At the same time, scientific studies that have been conducted by Asian scientists have not confirmed the effect of durian on the ability to get pregnant.

The antioxidants and other substances in the durian are good for the skin, and regular consumption of the fruit can have a refreshing, rejuvenating effect. Decoctions of leaves and fruits have an anti-inflammatory effect and help soothe the skin.

For Men

Durian contains natural aphrodisiacs, it increases libido and improves potency.

One of the leading causes of death and disease in men in Western society is cardiovascular disease. In addition to potassium and other micronutrients that are good for blood vessels and heart, eating durian is good for men due to the fact that it does not contain cholesterol. Even though it is rich in fat, it does not raise, and according to some reports, can even lower cholesterol.

Durian is a natural "energy drink" and contains a natural serotonin analogue. For men who are under a lot of stress, durian can help reduce feelings of fatigue, feelings of anxiety, stress.

For Pregnancy

Durian is high in folic acid. It is necessary for the development of a healthy fetus, reducing the risk of pregnancy failure and dangerous complications. However, if a woman has high blood pressure, edema, and other health problems, she should talk to her doctor about whether she should eat durian. Many experts strictly forbid durian for pregnant women, because the risk of unwanted reactions is too high.

If You are Breastfeeding

Durian is great to fight many diseases and even slow the aging process, but for the body of the newborn baby, it can be dangerous. The content of trace elements, vitamins and other substances that can be transmitted with milk, can cause severe allergies and problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Nursing mothers should not risk consuming durian.

For kids

There are 150 kilocalories in 100 grams of durian. In countries where this fruit is readily available, it is therefore recommended that it be included in the diet of underweight children. Durian is rich in fiber, which is very good for the digestive system.

In many countries, this is a favorite childhood treat, with the eating of which is associated with family traditions. However, in the case of children who have never tasted durian before and live far from the tropics, you should be very careful with it. Excessive consumption can cause overheating and sweating, increased excitability, insomnia, throat irritation, indigestion. Children on tourist trips should not be given a large portion of the fruit at once, you should first make sure that there are no allergies and other problems. Small children under the age of three years old are not recommended to use this fruit at all.

For weight loss

Durian is rich in fiber, good for the gastrointestinal tract. It is used to prevent constipation. The fruit is very nourishing, so a small amount of it is enough to satisfy hunger. Durian helps the body to eliminate excess water and reduce swelling. All these properties make the fruit a great dietary product. However, to reduce weight loss is recommended to eat low-calorie and high-fat durian in small amounts in the first half of the day. It is important to remember that durian is a very caloric product, and only one of its seeds (weighing about 40 grams) contains 55 calories!

Health Hazards and Contraindications

If you have hypertension and intolerance of certain substances in the fruit consumption durian strictly prohibited. It contains substances that help balance insulin levels, but eating it in large quantities for diabetes is prohibited: it also contains a large amount of sugar, fructose and glucose.

How to choose and store durian

It is important to catch that short period of durian's life when it is already ripe, having fallen from the tree, but has not yet had time to spoil. A fruit that is too soft may be unpalatable because it has been stored too long, while one that is too hard may be unripe. When you tap the durian with a stick, listen for the sound: if it is not loud, the durian is probably ripe.

Durian is stored at room temperature for no more than five days. Then it spoils, loses its pleasant taste.

How to Eat Durian

The durian tastes best when it has just been cut. The best way to eat durian is outdoors so you do not interfere with the smell. You eat the durian with a spoon so that the odor doesn't get absorbed by your hands.

In Asian countries it is common to drink durian with salted water or even coffee or to add it to smoothies with milk or coconut milk.

Can I Eat the Seeds

The raw seeds are considered inedible.

How much durian can be eaten

On average, the fruit weighs 1 kilogram and contains about 1300-1500 calories. Thus, eating the whole fruit at one time would be about 70% of the daily caloric intake. Because of this, it is recommended to limit the consumption of durian and watch how your body feels when you eat it.

How to peel

With light strokes of the cleaver, the fruit should be split into several slices. Already from them you can take with a spoon the delicious thick pulp.

Cooking Applications

In countries where durian grows, it is widely used in various dishes. They make cakes with it, marinate it in coconut milk. The unripe fruits are roasted, stewed with seasonings, added to pastes for cooking other dishes, soups. The seeds are fried and used as spices.

Durian is used to make cookies, ice cream, jams, dried, and baked into pies.

Why should durian not be used with alcohol?

Durian has a powerful tonic effect. In addition, it takes a lot of effort for the body to digest the fats and sugars in it. In combination with alcohol, it can cause stomach upset, poisoning, and a dangerous rise in blood pressure.

There is a myth that durian combined with alcohol can kill a person. This is very unlikely because it requires a lot of drinking, eating a lot of durian, and poor health. However, the combination of this fruit and alcohol can really bring a lot of unpleasant feelings. After consuming durian, you should wait at least one hour before drinking alcoholic beverages.

Can I Buy Durian in Russia

In Western countries you can find durian freely available in supermarkets. However, it is only allowed to be sold in containers where the durian is kept in a special grid and frozen in order to avoid unpleasant smells.

Despite strict restrictions on the transport of durian, there are many companies in Russia that offer delivery of this fruit. They transport fresh durians in special containers to isolate them and create special storage conditions. In Moscow, the price for one fruit is more than three thousand rubles.

For those who don't want to risk trying fresh durian, several online stores in Russia offer dried fruit, candies and other products with it. The prices for these products are much more affordable than for fresh fruit, and a small package of exotic treats can make a great gift. It is important to remember that the restrictions on eating durian also apply to the processed fruit: you should not eat too much dried fruit or candy with it.

Durian in Culture

There is a beautiful Thai legend about the origin of the durian. One day an old ruler married a young beauty. The young wife was not reciprocated by her husband, so he turned to the hermit for advice. The wise old man advised the ruler a recipe for a potion for his wife, which included a wonderful fruit with a magical flavor. The wife ate the proposed treat and immediately felt warm feelings for her husband. The ruler arranged a festive feast, but forgot to invite and thank the hermit. He was offended and bewitched the fruit trees. The ruler came back for more durian for his wife and was horrified by the smell of the wonderful fruit. The wife could no longer eat them and fell in love with the ruler again.

There are regular durian festivals in Asian countries. In China alone, more than 150,000 people come to the annual festival. Thailand, Malaysia, and other countries hold annual fairs with festivities during the ripening season of the fruit.

The famous Esplanade Arts Center in Singapore, recognized as a masterpiece of architecture, is very similar to the two halves of the fruit. Locals are accustomed to calling it a "durian. The triangular spikes that cover the walls and roof help the light to reach the concert hall and avoid overheating the room in the hot climate. Because of the structure of the building's surface, it takes about two months for specialists to clean it periodically.

Interesting facts about the durian

1. The durian blooms very briefly, twice a year: in winter and summer. The flower blooms at dusk and falls off in the morning. The fruit then begins to form. Durian flowers form large clusters, are bell-shaped, and can be white, pink, or golden.
2. The durian plant is not only a bearer of tasty and healthy fruits, but also a beautiful tree. It is often used in suitable climates for planting in parks and decorating resting places with it.
3. The durian cannot be plucked or removed from the tree by other means: you should always wait for the fruit to fall from the tree by itself and then ripen for a few days. This is why workers in durian plantations wear hard helmets on their heads, respirators on their faces, and special protective suits on their bodies.
4. Growing durian is a profitable business. Trees begin to bear fruit at the age of about five years, bringing a steady harvest for 70-80 years. Some trees can live and bear more than a hundred years. In tropical climates, the trees do not need any special conditions: minimal fertilizer and care is enough. At the same time, the demand for durian is constantly growing. According to data for 2016, only China annually buys about 400 tons of durian from Malaysia, another 16.5 thousand tons - Singapore. The price of a kilogram of fruit is $20-40, depending on the season.
5. Arnon Rodthong, owner of Thailand's largest durian plantation, announced a contest for his daughter's hand. He offered a potential groom about 20 million rubles in case of marriage. Among the requirements for the daughter's future husband were hard work, no bad habits, and knowledge of durian cultivation. Not long after the announcement, Arnon cancelled the contest, but left the announcement of a rich dowry for his daughter in force.

Durian photo