Things You Need To Know About Durian

It’s unwelcome on public transport

Due to its overpowering smell, durian has been banned on many types of public transport across Thailand， Japan and Hong Kong. In Singapore, the fruit is banned across all types of public transportation and even taxis have signed to let you know they refuse to carry passengers transporting the smelly fruit.

There’s more than one type

There are around 30 different varieties of durian. The fruit is native to Malaysia, Indonesia and Borneo however today there are durian farms in Sri Lanka, Southern India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and the southern Chinese island Hainan. Thailand is, in fact, the biggest exporter of the fruit and home to many durian farms which produce more varieties than the original native locations.

It’s the king of fruit

Whether due to its size – the fruit can weigh as much as 7 pounds – or its taste, durian is often referred to by people in Southeast Asia as the king of fruit. Due to the difficulty of cultivating durian – besides being dangerous when it falls, it requires very particular components in the soil, and for shipping, durian is easily the most expensive fruit as well.

The Chinese consider durian and mangosteen to be the king and queen of fruits because of their opposing flavors – the durian is ‘warming’ due to its pungent smell and rich consistency however the mangosteen is ‘cooling’ because of its juicy flesh and slightly acidic taste.

Durian can cause weight gain

Contrary to popular belief, you will not have a big spike in your cholesterol level after eating durian. In fact, this king of fruits has good monounsaturated fats that can actually lower your harmful cholesterol levels and moderate your high blood pressure.

But feasting on this highly nutritious fruit will?certainly not benefit your waistline. A durian can have anywhere from 885 calories to 1,500 calories depending on its size. Durians may be a very good source of nutrients, but they are also high in calories and carbohydrates and thus must be consumed with moderation.

Having durian and beer at the same time will kill you?

There is no scientific evidence to show that this is a lethal combination. It is more likely to cause bloating, indigestion and discomfort as your liver have to work extra hard to metabolize both fats and sugars in the durians and the alcohol, especially if you have consumed both in excessive amounts.

Eating durian can boost your libido

The heaviness in the durian may cause your body temperature to rise, but this does not make the fruit an aphrodisiac.

Despite the myths associated with the durian, it remains a highly prized fruit.