Grown in tropical climates, a durian is a fruit known for its thorny husk and custard-like flesh. It is extremely popular in Southeast Asia, and is used in both sweet and savory dishes. It has become notable around the rest of the world as much for its odor as its flavor. Durians can grow to 12 inches in length.
There are many varieties of durian, depends on the local breed. One of the most widely distributed durian is Monthong Durian, which tastes creamier and sweeter.
Durian can be made into local Indonesian sticky candies (dodol), cookies, and the most popular of them all is durian ice cream. Cooking and chilling durian dispel most of the durian's pungent smell so that even people who don't like raw durian will enjoy some of the food made with durian.
Ooh, That Smell!
Durian's smell has become a thing of legend. While some call it pleasant, others say it reeks. The odor may be different depending on the species of durian. Due to its pungency, it is banned from many places in Southeast Asia, including some hotels and mass transit systems. Attempts to breed an odorless durian have met with protest.
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References
Fast Facts
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Species
30
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Species with edible fruit
Nine
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Fact:
Mostly pollinated by bats
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Fact:
"Duri" means thorn in Malay
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Fact:
Believed to expel parasitic worms
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Fact:
High in Vitamin C and potassium
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Fact:
Known as the "king of fruits"
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Fact:
Said to have aphrodisiac properties
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Fact:
Popular with raw food eaters
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Fact:
Can be considered an acquired taste
