The Durian and its fruits

The Durián or also known as Durión (durio zibethinus), is a variety of tree that belongs to the Malvaceae family and The origin of this plant is found in Southeast Asia.

Durian characteristics

In this family we can find hibiscus, cotton and okra. The Durion tree can be between 25 and 50 meters high, depending on the species. Its blades are durable, with an opposite growth, with an elliptical and at the same time square shape, which have an approximate measurement of between about 10 and 18 centimeters in length.

Durian flowers reproduce in groups ranging from 3 to 30, in some long branches and in its trunk. Each of the flowers has a calyx and about five petals, and on very few occasions they reach four or six.

The Durian is a tree that may bloom once or twice and its fruit harvest is annual.

It can vary depending on the species of the same, the locality and also the crop. Said tree has the ability to retain its fruits for four to five years. Said fruit is found hanging from the mature branches for three months after pollination occurs.

There are 30 species of Durian trees that have been recognized. In their entirety they are native to Southeast Asia and of all these at least nine have fruits that can be eatenHowever, there is a large number of species from which their fruits have not been collected as well as examined, therefore, there may be other species that have fruits that are edible.

What is the fruit like?

The Durian fruit is appreciated above all by native people and has very shapes several, since it can become round or square according to the species.

Usually have a measure 40 centimeters in diameter, with a weight that is between two and three kilograms; it has a shell with many spines that is green or brown in color, and it has a shell that is usually pale or red, always depending on its species.

It has a pleasant taste as well as intense, with a creamy texture very similar to that of avocado and with a fairly strong aroma, which on many occasions can be unpleasant. On the other hand, the seeds of this fruit can be eaten when they are roasted, and when crushed, they can be used to make cakes.

It is revered as well as widely known in Southeast Asia, for being regarded as the queen of all fruits. The name of it originates from the Malay term duri, which means thorn, so with the suffix an that is used for the creation of pronouns, the name of thorny fruit is obtained.

The only species that we can find available in international markets is Durio zibethinus, the rest can only be found in the locality.

Durian uses

This is a species that has a lot of recognition due to the nutritional value of its fruits, which are characterized by having an unpleasant odor, quite similar to a rotten onion, which is why in some of the hotels in Southeast Asia it is forbidden to consume this fruit inside the rooms, since this smell remains impregnated in them, and it usually happens a lot time until it disappears completely.

Likewise, taking a trip with this fruit is totally prohibited, as well as introducing it at airports.

Despite the unpleasant smell, Durion pulp is considered a kind of cream with a lot of delicacy and that is how it is among one of the best fruits in the world. Many other people find its taste quite repulsive.

The roots, barks and also the leaves are used in popular medicine. On the other hand, to consume the seeds it is necessary to toast them or fry them in oil. Likewise, another of the uses of this fruit is the preparation of ice cream.

Durion fruit properties

This is a fruit that has antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial properties and it also possesses the ability to expel intestinal parasites.

Durion provides a large amount of carbohydrates, Vitamins that belong to group B, vitamin C, and some minerals such as: sulfur, iron, manganese, potassium, magnesium, and copper; but in addition to this, it provides fiber as well as fatty acids, which have many benefits; as are omega 3 and omega 6.

Durian benefits

• It is excellent to combat each of the effects that stress produces.
• It has the ability to prevent anemia.
• It is capable of maintaining an optimal functioning of the cardiovascular system.
• It is of great help to maintain control in the sugar level in our blood.
• As we have already mentioned, it is excellent for eliminate parasites that lodge in the intestine.
• Helps prevent and relieve migraines and migraines.
• It has diuretic properties and that is why it is an excellent fruit to combat fluid retention.
• It has the ability to regulate sleep.
• It helps us digest food correctly.
• It has the ability to combat anxiety and in turn insomnia.
• He is able to protect the mucosa of our colon.
• It has properties that help our body to maintain an excellent transit in the intestine, just like it is one of the fruits that are used to fight constipation.
• This is a recommended fruit for improve the ability to learn and also for the the memory.
• Decreases inflammation and is able to relieve pain.
• It offers us benefits to improve our immune system.
• In Asia it is a fruit that is considered an aphrodisiac.

The correct way to eat Durian

As we have already mentioned previously, the Durion fruit can have a weight that is between two and five kilograms.

We can know that this fruit is ready for consumption when the peel has started to break. It is at that moment that we take the opportunity to open it very carefully using a knife.

Once we have done this, we remove the pulp which is usually a pale yellow hue. We can eat it fresh once we have removed it from the shell.

Likewise, With the pulp of Durián you can make ice cream, delicious smoothies, sweets and any other kind of desserts that we know. As we have explained, we can cook the seeds and then eat them, either fried, baked or boiled, however, this is a fruit that has a very unpleasant smell, so many people try to avoid it instead of introducing it in many of their favorite desserts.

Regarding the calories that the Durian fruit has, we can say that it offers us an approximate amount of 145 kilocalories per 100 grams.