The durian, aptly dubbed the “King of Fruits”, is a renowned tropical delicacy that has managed to capture the world’s curiosity due to its distinctive, somewhat controversial, aroma and rich, custard-like flavor. Hailing from Southeast Asia, this fruit’s reputation extends far beyond its native region, gaining lovers and detractors in equal measure. But what makes durian so fascinating, and why does it boast such a unique, intense smell?
Here are 25 facts about durian that may surprise you, along with an explanation for its famously strong odor.
1. Name Origin: The word “durian” comes from the Malay-Indonesian language word “duri” which means “thorn” – a reference to the fruit’s thick, spiky husk.
2. Large and Heavy: Durians can grow up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) long and 15 centimeters (6 inches) in diameter, and can weigh up to 7 kilograms (15 pounds).
3. Unique Species: There are about 30 recognized durian species, and at least nine of them are known to produce edible fruit.
4. Prolific Production: A single durian tree can produce up to 150 fruits per season.
5. Longevity: Durian trees can live for more than 100 years.
6. High in Nutrients: Durians are rich in potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin B complex.
7. Calorie-Dense: Due to its high sugar content, durian is relatively high in calories compared to most other fruits.
8. Smell Banned: Due to its overpowering smell, durians are banned in many hotels and public transportation systems in Southeast Asia.
9. Animal Attractant: The strong smell of durian is designed to attract animals, who help disperse the seeds in the wild.
10. Expensive Delicacy: The price of durian can be high, and rare varieties, like the Musang King, can fetch hundreds of dollars per fruit.
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11. Not for Alcohol: Consuming durian with alcohol is believed to cause indigestion and other adverse effects, although the scientific basis of this belief is not fully established.
12. Culinary Uses: Apart from eating it raw, durian is also used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, including durian ice cream, durian crepes, and durian pizza.
13. King and Queen: Durian is often paired with mangosteen, known as the “queen of fruits”, in traditional culinary practice to balance “hot” and “cold” properties.
14. Anti-aging properties: Durian is high in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage.
15. Aphrodisiac: In traditional medicine, durian is often believed to have aphrodisiac properties.
16. Taste Variations: Different durian species offer different flavors and textures, ranging from sweet and creamy to bitter and fibrous.
17. Coffea Durio: There’s a durian species named Coffea Durio that is used to make a unique type of coffee.
18. Flower Bloom: Durian flowers bloom at night and are pollinated by bats.
19. Hard to Cultivate: Durian trees are notoriously hard to cultivate from seeds as they often fail to produce the desired fruit.
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20. National Fruit: Durian is the national fruit of Brunei, and also widely celebrated in Malaysia and Thailand.
21. A Source of Fat: Durians contain a good amount of healthy monounsaturated fats.
22. Seasonal Fruit: Durian is a seasonal fruit and is typically available from June to August.
23. Sleep Aid: Some people believe eating durian can help promote sleep due to its tryptophan content, an amino acid that can help induce sleep.
24. Health Warning: Due to its high sugar content, durian is often advised to be consumed in moderation, especially for people with diabetes.
25. Bad Breath: Eating durian can leave a strong, lingering smell in your mouth, earning it the title of the world’s smelliest fruit.
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So why does durian smell so strong? Scientists have found that durian contains over 50 different compounds contributing to its unique smell, including several sulphur compounds which are often associated with pungent odors. For some, these compounds produce a sweet, fruity aroma, while others find the smell similar to rotten onions or raw sewage. Intriguingly, certain genes might dictate how offensive or appealing we find these odors, explaining why the durian can be so polarizing.
The durian’s smell is not just for our benefit (or detriment, depending on your perspective), it is believed to have evolved to attract animals, like the civet cat, to eat the fruit and thus disperse the seeds in the wild. Whether you consider the smell delightful or dreadful, there’s no denying the durian is a fascinating example of the rich tapestry that nature provides.
