What’s durian? The Truth About This Powerful Fruit

Some foods are so relatively rare that they take on an almost mythical status among average people. Perhaps the best example of this is durian, a fruit with an exotic taste and a smell that will either make you fall in love or send you running. That’s led many foodies to a simple question: what’s the truth behind this powerful fruit?

Don’t worry; we’re here to answer this question and every question you have about the world’s most interesting fruit. Wondering if durian is right for you? Keep reading to discover everything that you need to know!

Durian: what is it?

What is durian? The short answer is that it’s a seasonal fruit found in areas such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and southern Thailand. It has long been favored by health-conscious eaters because it’s a superfood that serves as a powerful source of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and more. Between its unusual taste and its health properties, durian also has a very flattering nickname: the king of fruits.

Even if you don’t know what durian has on the inside, this fruit is likely to intimidate you with its very unexpected appearance. Its rind is covered in thorns and looks a bit like Mother Nature’s own spiky mace. Those who eat durian fresh need to find the best way to open it up. However, more and more supermarkets are selling preshelled durian in easy-to-open containers. All you have to do is open up the package and start scarfing!

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Why does durian cost so much?

There are a few reasons why most people haven’t tasted durian, including the fact that it’s seasonal and only available in certain markets. However, even those who have access to durian are often hesitant to buy it because of its high cost. And that brings us to another question: why does durian cost so darn much?

It all starts with cultivating the fruit. The unusual shape of durian and other factors (including where it is found in the wild) make it extraordinarily hard to cultivate, and those costs are passed down to consumers. Additionally, unpredictable weather can affect whether durian even grows in the first place. If there happens to be a draught, there may be even less of this beloved fruit available to purchase.

All of this adds up to a simple matter of supply and demand. There are more people who want to buy durian and not enough to go around. So when you find it for sale, you can always expect to pay a pretty penny! 

How does durian taste and smell?

It’s tough for the average person to describe what durian tastes like. That’s why they (and we’re guilty of this, too) often go with words like “exotic.” But what does it actually taste like, and how would you describe it to someone who has never tucked into this tasty fruit?

Durian tastes strongly of vanilla, caramel, and whipped cream, but it also has savory elements in it that taste a bit like garlic and peppers. That mixture of savory and sweet helps give this fruit an unforgettable flavor. And if your taste buds are really sensitive, you may taste floral notes and even a pleasant hint of almond.

Now, a word of warning: Durian smells far nastier than it tastes…at least, to certain people. Some think it just smells sweet, but others have described it as smelling like rotten sewage, diapers, or even cat poop. For this reason, the fruit has been banned on buses in certain areas like Singapore because it has been known to upset the passengers!

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How do you even eat durian?

Let’s say that you find a market near you that is selling durian, and you’re getting ready to bring some home. That leads to one last question: how the heck would you even eat this sweet, savory superfruit? There are several options, including simply eating it fresh. It tastes great this way, and you can bring out even more flavor by putting it in the fridge and letting it get cold.

Others have leaned into the sweetness of durian and utilized it in a number of different dessert dishes. For example, you can turn it into ice cream for a frozen treat with a wonderfully complex flavor. If you want frozen perfection on the go, you can also turn it into a milkshake.

You can also lean into the sweet element of durian by adding it to various cooked sauces. For example, you can make chicken curry using durian, and its sweet, creamy texture brings out the flavor of every bite. Ultimately, it’s all up to you, because there is no shortage of ways to eat nature’s most exotic fruit!