What Does Durian Fruit Taste Like?

Updated on November 11th, 2022

The question of what does durian fruit taste like has a complex answer. Despite its unique smell and armored rind, the durian fruit has gained a following across Southeast Asia. The durian fruit itself smells very strongly, but it is not dangerous to eat it, and its flesh has a slightly sour flavor. Native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, it is considered one of the most dangerous fruits in the world.

Although it is poisonous, there are many ways to avoid its harmful effects. Here are a few tips. The first thing to know is that durian does not last long in the hot sun, making it poor for snacking. Some people can’t stand the smell of it. However, if you want to eat it, you should know that it can be dangerous if eaten fresh. In addition, the durian fruit has a high glycemic index and so shouldn’t be consumed in large amounts.

What Is Durian Fruit?

Durian, also known as the “king of fruits,” is a large, spiky, greenish-brown fruit popular in Southeast Asia. When ripe, the fruit has a strong odor that varies depending on the variety of durian. The odor is offensive to many people, and the fresh fruit has even been banned from some public places and public transportation. When durians are ripe, they often crack open, making the edible flesh relatively easy to extract (while also distributing that famous aroma). The white, yellow, or red flesh—loved by many for its custardy texture and unique flavor—can be eaten raw or cooked with a large knife or cleaver. Durian is relatively expensive, mainly imported, due to its short season, limited shelf-life, and rising demand.

What Does Durian Taste Like?

It is impossible to describe the flavor of durian in words, so we’ll try to give a better impression. According to Anthony Bourdain, the taste of durian fruit is incomparable. Some people eat the flesh raw, but this is not the only way to experience the durian. Its smell is very distinctive, and it’s often used in Southeast Asian dishes. Some people consider durian to be an aphrodisiac.

The smell of durian is the most common characteristic. It is bitter and smells like vinegar. Its flavor is more complex than this, however. Some people find it difficult to tolerate the odor of durians, while others love the sour taste. Luckily, if you want to eat it raw, you can still use the seeds, but you should beware of the scent.

What Is The Difference Between Durian Fruit And Jackfruit?

While both fruits are large compared to other fruits, the jackfruit is significantly more giant than the durian and is the largest of the three fruits. The jackfruit can grow to be three feet long and weigh up to 110 pounds, while the durian is only 30 pounds.
The edible flesh of durian can be buttery yellow, pink, red, or white, whereas jackfruit flesh is paler yellow, similar to banana flesh.
Jackfruit is sweet and has its own distinct flavor, but it’s best described as a cross between apple, banana, mango, and pineapple. The flavor of ripe jackfruit has been compared to that of Juicy Fruit gum.
Because the edible portion comprises thousands of individual sunny yellow blossoms, jackfruit has a stringy, rubbery texture similar to mango or pineapple. When ripe, jackfruit becomes gummy, whereas durian is smoother and creamier, less juicy than jackfruit, and is sometimes compared to custard. In contrast, the skin surrounding each fruit pod is crisp.
The smell of durian is so offensive to many people that it is banned from some Asian public transportation systems. In some places, eating durian in public is strictly prohibited. People frequently prepare or eat durian outside so that the odor does not linger inside their homes. Although the smell of jackfruit is not nearly as strong as that of durian, it is occasionally banned from public consumption in some areas.
Durian’s insoluble fiber aids digestion, and it, like jackfruit, helps to regulate insulin release. The potassium in the durian also helps to regulate blood pressure and heart rate. Durian also contains tryptophan’s amino acid, making it a mild sleep aid, headache remedy, and nervous energy balancer. The flesh of durian, like the seeds of jackfruit, is a laxative.

How Can We Use Durian Fruit For Skin And Hairs?

Collagen Synthesis is Boosted

Eating durian fruit regularly can help to improve the appearance of your skin. Collagen is an essential amino acid that helps give skin tissues and bones, and joints shape and structure. The presence of antioxidants like vitamin C and antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, among others, contribute to durian’s health benefits. These antioxidants protect skin cells and tissues from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and increase collagen production.

Skin Pigmentation is treated with this product

Durian is excellent for enhancing the natural glow of the skin and treating skin pigmentation. Vitamin C, vitamin A, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids are antioxidants that help the skin cells detox. Furthermore, the durian fruit’s numerous minerals lighten dark spots and scars, even out skin tone, remove suntans, and reduce signs of premature aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.

Encourages hair growth

The durian fruit is high in antioxidants, which help to improve blood circulation on the scalp and ensures that hair follicles receive proper nourishment from within the system. This promotes the growth of new hair follicles while also improving the scalp’s health. Other nutrients found in the durian, such as vitamin B complex, zinc, and iron, aid in treating dandruff, split ends, and maintain long, lustrous tresses with a silky, shiny appearance.

How To Cut The Durian Fruit?

Wear hand gloves when cutting durian fruit to protect your hands from the thorns and the strong odor.
Using a sharp knife, cut the stem from the top of the fruit.
Turn the fruit over and place it on a clean surface, stem side down.
Make a cut on the top of the durian fruit with a knife through the thick skin. Pull the skin back slowly.
Completely open the fruit, but be careful not to poke yourself.
After the fruit has opened, remove the large pods and any stones or seeds from the flesh before eating or cooking the pulp.
Make these absolutely delicious sweet treats with the cut slices of ripened durian fruit and enjoy them with your family and friends.

Is Durian Fruit Harmful?

Although durian fruit has numerous health benefits, it also has several drawbacks when consumed unripe or large quantities.

Some people with hypersensitivity conditions have allergic reactions to durian.
Durian fruit is not easily digested by some people, resulting in digestive issues such as abdominal pain and stomach cramps.
Due to sulfur-like compounds in the fruit, when combined with alcohol, durian consumption can cause nausea and vomiting. As a result, it’s best to avoid eating durian and drinking alcohol simultaneously if you want to be safe.
People with severe gastrointestinal problems and kidney problems should avoid eating durian fruit because it can increase toxins in the body and cause diarrhea.
To avoid any health risks when eating or cooking durian fruit, only use fresh produce that shows no signs of damage or spoilage.

How Can We Use And Store Durian Fruit?

The durian’s texture is similar to a cheesecake, and its taste matches vanilla or caramel flavors. Its flesh can be eaten raw or cooked, but the most traditional way is to eat it with sugar. Then, you can wrap the durian in a pancake and eat it. Another common way to eat durian is to fry it with a bit of sugar. If you don’t eat it raw, you can still enjoy it with a bit of help from your friends. Alternatively, you can also squish it with a banana and drink the wine.

Durians are best served chilled because of the high sugar content, but you can also freeze them for later use. Because durian has a strong odor, it is best to store it in an airtight container to avoid letting its odor get into your refrigerator. The most traditional way to eat durian is to eat it raw or with sugar. You can also eat it in other ways, but the locals prefer it eat it raw.

Conclusion

The smell of durian fruit is so strong that it is illegal in some parts. The odor is so potent that it can be banned from restaurants and public transport. But the smell of durians isn’t so bad – it is just a matter of taste. If you’re curious, you can try it raw or cook it. Its pungent smell makes it a must-try for many travelers.

Unlike the odor, the taste of durian fruit is actually delicious. The smell of durian fruit is “indescribable” and tastes like an almondine-onion-sherry chocolate mousse. Its texture is similar to a pudding wrapped in waxy skin, and it’s also lovely. Some people say the durian fruit has medicinal benefits, and it’s known to lower blood pressure and fever.