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Tuesday, 14 July 2015

Durian Fruit - Nutrients, Health Benefits, Uses And More

Durian fruit is produced by 9 species of trees belonging to the genus Durio. Only the fruit produced by Durio zibenthinus is available internationally; those produced by the other species are consumed locally. About 30 species of the Durio genus in all, are recognized.

  March 7, 2014
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A ripe durian fruit

Durian tree

About The Durian Tree

Durian trees grow to a height of 80 to 160 feet. They are fairly large trees and are ready for fruit bearing in 4 to 5 years.
The durian trees are native to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Durian fruit is produced by 9 species of trees belonging to the genus Durio. Only the fruit produced by Durio zibenthinus is available internationally; those produced by the other species are consumed locally. About 30 species of the Durio genus in all, are recognized.

Durian Fruit

Durian is called the "King of fruits" in Southeast Asia and is produced in a variety of sizes and colors. all 6 hotos
The thorny durian husk
The thorny durian husk
Externally the durian fruit resembles the Jackfruit because of its thorn covered husk. A normal durian fruit weighs from 1-3 kilos, is oblong to round in shape with green to brown husk and a light yellow to red flesh. Some fruits grow to as long as 12 inches, and 6 inches in diameter.
The mature fruit has an overpowering smell considered by most as revolting and disgusting; almost garbage like. The taste is a mixture of avocado, cherimoya/custard apple, vanilla powder, garlic, heaps of onion powder, and banana, all rolled into one.
It can best be described as “tastes like heaven, smells like hell.”
Durian can be consumed in various stages of ripeness. The seeds are edible too by boiling, frying or roasting, though they are bland in taste.
The flesh of the durian fruit is used to flavor Southeast Asian dishes both salty and sweet.
Thailand is the biggest exporter of durian and has been known to the Western world for about 600 years.

Uses Of Durian Fruit

Durian is used to flavor many sweet dishes, make desserts, ice cream, cakes, candies etc.
Unripe durian is cooked and eaten as a vegetable. The shoots and young leaves are also cooked as greens. Sauces and preserves are also made from durian fruit.
Lower quality durian fruits are fermented to produce Tempoyak, that is used for making curries.
Recently wine has been produced from durian fruit.
The dried rinds are used as fuel. The ash is used for bleaching silk.
The wood is used for making boat masts and constructing huts.

Nutrients In Durian Fruits

The flesh of the durian fruit is high in sugar content mainly as sucrose and fructose. It also contains excellent amounts of vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine and the essential amino acid tryptophan.
Durian is rich in fiber and contains good amounts of the minerals manganese, magnesium, copper and iron.
Durian fruit also contains good amounts of beneficial fats but is free of cholesterol and saturated fats. It is also high in energy.
Detailed nutrient contents can be viewed in the table below.

Nutrients In Durian Fruit

(click column header to sort results)
   
Durian fruit (Durio zibethinus),  
   
Parameters
Nutrient Value/100 gms
Percentage of RDA
Calories
147 Kcal
7%
Carbohydrates
27.09 g
21%
Protein
1.47 g
2.50%
Total Fat
5.33 g
20%
Cholesterol
0 mg
0%
Dietary Fiber
3.8 g
10%
Vitamins
Folates
36 mcg
9%
Niacin
1.074 mg
7%
Pantothenic acid
0.230 mg
4.50%
Pyridoxine
0.316 mg
24%
Riboflavin
0.200 mg
15%
Thiamin
0.374 mg
31%
Vitamin A
44 IU
1.5
Vitamin C
19.7 mg
33%
Electrolytes
Sodium
2 mg
0%
Potassium
436 mg
9.50%
Minerals
Calcium
6 mg
0.60%
Copper
0.207 mg
23%
Iron
0.43 mg
5%
Magnesium
30 mg
7.50%
Manganese
0.325 mg
14%
Phosphorus
39 mg
6%
Zinc
0.28 mg
2.50%
Phyto-nutrients
Alpha-Carotene
6 mcg
--
Beta-Carotene
23 mcg
--
(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)

Health Benefits Of Durian Fruit

Traditionally durian has been used to expel intestinal worms, reduce fever (by drinking tea made of leaves and roots or applying juice of leaves to the head), relieve jaundice, swelling and skin diseases (by applying a tea made of durian leaves and fruits).
Durian is also believed to have aphrodisiac properties.
The fruit boosts serotonin levels and relieves depression.
Being rich in carbohydrates it is a good source of energy.
The fiber helps to keep the digestive system healthy and prevents constipation.
Potassium helps to keep the blood pressure low and reduces risk of developing hypertension.
Durian helps to prevent anemia and is also beneficial for anemic persons as it contains good levels of folate and iron.
The ripe fruits had higher levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and therefore higher antioxidant activity than over ripe fruits.
Durian fruit also has high microbial activity.
The heart healthy mono unsaturated fats lower cholesterol.
Durian protects the liver and heart.

How To Select A Good Durian Fruit

Whether you prefer a slightly ripe or over ripe fruit, or anything in between, choose one with a firm and solid stalk to ensure its fresh as durian is an expensive fruit when sold away from its native habitat.
The seeds in a good durian move when the fruit is shaken. Also, the middle of the fruit smells strong but it should not be sour smelling.
Best is when a knife inserted in the fruit comes out sticky.

Some Points To Consider

  • Durian is considered to have a warming action on the body and promotes sweating. Counter this inherent quality of durian by pouring water in the empty shell and consuming it, once the pulp is consumed.
  • Alternately, mangosteen fruit which has cooling properties is consumed with durian.
  • Those with high blood pressure and pregnant women are not advised to consume durian.
  • Durian, as is traditionally believed, should not be consumed with coffee or alcoholic beverages as the body's ability to detoxify the body suffers.
  • As it is high in sugar content those with diabetes or high blood sugar should go easy on durian consumption.


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