Durian: A Sweet and Creamy Southeast Asian Fruit
Durian is a sweet and creamy fruit that can be enjoyed in many Southeast Asian dishes. It is a popular treat in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam and can be found fresh or frozen. It can be made into a variety of different foods including candies, sauces, curries, and desserts.
The Unique Taste and Smell of Durian
Its taste is a little bit different from other fruits, and it can often have slightly bitter undertones. This makes durian a delicious treat when it’s ripe, though some people find the smell overpowering and unpleasant.
The Tree and Appearance of Durian
The fruit grows on trees from a family of 30 species (genus Durio), and is native to Borneo, Indonesia, and Sumatra. They have thick, brown rinds with spikes and light yellow fleshy pods inside.
Durian as a Popular Snack and Ingredient
They’re a popular snack in Asia and are available at markets and in some hotels across the region. It’s also a common ingredient in ice cream, cakes, milkshakes, and other treats.
Exploring Different Durian Varieties
There are many different varieties of durian, each with its own distinct scent and flavor. Some are sweeter, while others have a savory or nutty flavor. They’re all worth trying and can be a tasty treat.
Popular Durian Varieties: Musang King and Monthong
Some of the most popular durian varieties include Musang King and Monthong. These are both Malaysian varieties, and they’re known for being rich in flavor.
Choosing the Best Durian
While they’re delicious, they can be pricey. That’s why you should always try to buy durian at a market or stall vendor, and only eat a small amount at a time.
Tips for Selecting Ripe Durian
The best durians are those that are in season and have a smooth, creamy texture. You should also look for a firm, but not hard, flesh. Avoid overripe durian, as it can be quite unpleasant.
Debunking the Durian's Infamous Smell
There’s a lot of controversy over the durian’s smell, but in reality, it isn’t that bad. It can smell a bit like onions, cheese, and even rotten garbage, but it doesn’t have the same odor as civet, sewage, or used surgical swabs.
Growing and Caring for Durian Trees
It is a tropical plant that can grow in areas where there are plenty of humidity and temperature extremes. It can grow up to a height of 20 feet and is commonly planted in parks, gardens, or orchards.
Challenges of Growing Durian Trees
A durian tree can be grown in a greenhouse, and it’s typically planted near other tropical plants, such as bananas, mangoes, or papayas. However, it is not as easy to care for as these other trees.
When and Where to Buy Fresh Durian
You can buy fresh durian fruit in most Asian markets or online from May to August when it’s in season, and you should always make sure the fruit is ripe before eating it. If you’re unsure about its ripeness, you can shake the durian to see if it rattles.
Bitterness in Unripe Durians
Some durians have a bitter taste, but most don’t. This is because the fruit contains a lot of caffeine, which can be bitter when it’s unripe or under-ripe.
Other Durian Varieties to Explore
The most popular durians are the Musang King and Monthong, but there are many other durian varieties to choose from as well. Some are more savory than others and can be eaten on their own, while others have a sweeter and creamy flavor.
