Durian is a tropical fruit distinguished by its large size and spiky, hard outer shell.
It has a pungent smell, custard-like flesh with large seeds.
The fruit’s flesh can range in color. It’s most commonly yellow or white, but can also be red or green.
Durian grows in tropical regions around the world, particularly in the Southeast Asian countries of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.
The fruit can grow up to 1 foot (30 cm) long and 6 inches (15 cm) wide. A typical durian fruit has about 2 cups (486 grams) of edible pulp.
Common food preparations of durian fruit include:
It’s also used in traditional medicine and has some medicinal properties that are currently being studied.
One of the most nutritious fruits
Durian is very high in nutrients compared to most other fruits.
One cup (243 grams) of pulp provides:
This nutrient profile makes durian one of the most nutritious fruits worldwide.
It’s also rich in healthy plant compounds, including anthocyanins, carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids. Many of these function as antioxidants.
All parts of the durian plant — leaves, husk, roots, and fruit — have been used in traditional Malaysian medicine to treat various illnesses, including high fever, jaundice, and skin conditions.
Studies suggest that durian fruit offers the following health benefits :
While these studies show promise, many have been done on animals or in test tubes. No solid claims can be made until the health benefits of durian have been confirmed by controlled studies in people.
Opening a durian’s hard, spiky shell often requires gloves or mitts to protect your hands.
You need to cut the shell with a knife and pry it open with your hands before gently removing the durian flesh.
You can then eat it fresh on its own, paired with sticky rice, or as an ingredient in various dishes.
You can find tutorials on how to open a durian fruit, as well as many recipes, online.
The flesh is also sold frozen, which slightly changes its texture, making it looser and more stringy.
Durian is also used in prepared foods, such as candy. Yet, while this may give you a sample of its flavor, it won’t provide you with the health benefits.