Durian

ORIGINS

Southeast Asia

TASTE

A typical case of ‘Hate it or love it’ - some love its taste and swear by it, while others denounce it as foul tasting and smelling. Try it before you pick a side!

AYURVEDA & MEDICINAL USES

Popular with Ayurvedic practitioners to treat fevers, jaundice, skin problems, swelling and cold. Durian is high in antioxidants that lower plasma lipid levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel syndrome. The fruit’s hull is a potent skin moisturizer and may be used in the cosmetics industry (‘International Journal of Cosmetic Science’, 2010).

NOTABLE FACTS

The term Durian comes from the Malay word ‘duri’, which means thorn, indicative of its thorny exterior. One of the earliest references to durian was found on panels of the 9th century Mahayana Buddhist temple, Borobudur. The Western world got its first taste of Durian only during the last 600 years!
Although very popular in Singapore in soft drinks and even ice creams, consuming durian in a MRT (train) can set you back at least $500 in fine. So, best enjoy your dose of Durian at home or at a restaurant!

TRY-ME RECIPES

Playing a key role in a number of cuisines from Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, Durian is even used in ice cream, milkshake, cappuccino and baked goods!

Try your hand at making durian ice cream; add frozen banana chunks and de-seeded frozen durians pods, and blend thoroughly with coconut meat or coconut milk. Add sugar as desired. Freeze and enjoy.

If you love savoury dishes, cook sauté chunks of durian flesh with onions, oil and chilli.

Looking for a great snack while watching a movie? Roast, boil or deep-fry durian seeds and add salt.