Durian

Fruit

Durian

Durian (Durio zibethinus) is a large, spiky Southeast Asian fruit whose custardy arils taste of sweet cream, almond, caramel, and savoury sulphur notes that some revere and others reject. Cultivars such as Monthong, Musang King, and D24 differ in bitterness, sweetness, and pungency. Segments separate from a thick husk; large seeds are usually discarded or cooked in traditional dishes. Fresh “king of fruits” is eaten plain, chilled, or in ice cream, cakes, sticky rice, and tempoyak ferments. Frozen pulp and paste serve export markets where whole fruit is restricted for odour. Choose fruit that smells ripe but not rotten, with seams that yield; overripe arils turn watery and alcoholic. Keep sealed—aroma travels.

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Unit

Cuts & parts

Breeds & varieties

A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.

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Characteristics

Preparations

CandiedCannedChilledDicedDriedFermentedFreshFrozenGrilledHalvedJamJuicedPeeledPoachedPreservedPureedQuarteredRoastedSlicedWhole

Provenance

BiodynamicExport CertifiedFair TradeFarm AssuredHeirloomLocally GrownNon-GMOOrganicPesticide FreeRegenerativeSeasonalSingle Origin

Sources

GreenhouseIndoor FarmedOrchardOutdoor FarmedPlantationWild

Traits

AromaticCreamyPungentRichSweetTropical

Nutrition and pairings

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 52.4

Amount per 100 g

  • Total Fat 0.31 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.05 g
  • Trans Fat 0 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat 0.09 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • Sodium 5 mg
  • Salt 0.01 g
  • Total Carbohydrate 12.6 g
  • Dietary Fibre 2.02 g
  • Total Sugars 9.38 g
  • Complex / starch 0.94 g
  • Protein 0.84 g
  • Water 90.6 g
Detailed nutrients

Fruit energy is mostly natural sugars with fibre and vitamin C varying by species.

In the kitchen

Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Durian.

Pairs well with

Classic and complementary matches

Usually avoid with

Often clash in flavour or tradition

History

Durian was used as a fruit food in regional diets long before industrial packing and global year-round supply.

Trade, migration, and selection spread distinctive Durian types and preparations into new climates and cuisines.

Modern production, storage, and transport made Durian a regular purchase far from where it is grown or raised.

Cooks now treat Durian as both staple and specialty, with more attention to provenance, variety, and form.

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