Smart Guide to Choosing Durian, Easily Find the Ripe and Sweet One!

Kapanlagi.com - Who doesn't know durian? This tropical fruit is often dubbed the "King of Fruits" because of its unmatched uniqueness. Durian belongs to the Bombacaceae family and is known for its spiky outer skin and very distinctive aroma. The durian tree can grow up to 50 meters tall, and it takes about 8 years from planting until the fruit is ready to be harvested for the first time.

The name "durian" itself is derived from the Malay language, meaning thorn, which directly refers to its spiky skin. Durian has a variety of types, each with different flavors and characteristics. In Indonesia, some of the most popular varieties are Monthong, Musang King, D24, and Petruk.

The durian fruit consists of several interesting components: a thick, spiky outer skin, flesh that ranges in color from yellow to white, seeds covered in flesh, and the partitions that separate each piece of fruit flesh.

The taste of durian is very distinctive, combining sweetness, bitterness, and a hint of alcoholic flavor. Its texture is soft and creamy, while its strong aroma becomes an unforgettable hallmark for its fans. For durian lovers, each bite is a tempting and satisfying flavor adventure, reported Kapanlagi.com from various sources, Monday (30/12).

1. Tips for Choosing Ripe and Sweet Durian

Choosing ripe and sweet durian can be done with several tricks. First, choose a symmetrical round durian for abundant flesh, and check its weight; a light yet dense durian indicates ideal ripeness.

Observe the stem; a thick and short stem indicates the durian has just been harvested. Choose durians with wide and short thorns for maximum sweetness.

A strong aroma indicates ripeness, so smell carefully. Test the sound by tapping the durian; an echoing sound indicates readiness. Avoid durians that are cracked at the bottom. With these tips, you can enjoy quality durian!

2. Benefits of Consuming Durian

Although considered a "hot" fruit, durian has many health benefits when consumed wisely. This fruit is rich in carbohydrates and good fats, providing about 147 calories per 100 grams, making it a good source of energy.

Durian also contains vitamin C, B complex vitamins, potassium, and fiber that support the immune system, metabolism, blood pressure, and digestion. In addition, durian

is rich in antioxidants that protect body cells and support heart health. The tryptophan content in durian also aids in the production of serotonin and melatonin hormones, which can improve sleep quality. Enjoy durian in the right portions to reap its benefits!

3. Durian Eating Tradition in Indonesia

In Indonesia, enjoying durian is a cultural celebration rich in tradition. Every harvest season, communities in durian-producing areas such as Sumatra and Kalimantan celebrate durian festivals with entertainment and social interaction. Durian becomes a typical souvenir, and the community creatively processes it with other foods. Some communities also have unique rituals when eating durian, such as washing hands with lime juice.

All of this shows durian as a symbol of the cultural wealth and warmth of the Indonesian people.

4. Comparison of Durian Varieties

In the world of durian, there are many varieties, but only a few are commercially popular. In Thailand, Monthong is known for its large size and thick sweet flesh, while Musang King from Malaysia has golden yellow flesh with a bittersweet taste and distinctive aroma.

D24, also from Malaysia, offers a sweet taste with a hint of bitterness and a soft texture. From Indonesia, Petruk has a large size and strong aroma, while Chanee from Thailand offers a slightly bitter sweet taste and a sticky texture.

The choice of durian depends on personal taste; some prefer sweet flavors while others enjoy the complexity of flavors with bitterness.

5. Differences Between Local and Imported Durian

Although both come from the durian family, Indonesian local durian and imported durian have striking characteristics. Local durian, with its rich flavor and sharp aroma, offers a more complex experience, while imported durian, such as from Thailand, tends to be sweeter with a milder aroma.

In terms of physical appearance, imported durian like Monthong is large and uniform in shape, while local durian comes in various sizes and unique shapes.

The texture of the flesh is also different, where local durian is often fibrous and slightly dry, while premium imported varieties like Musang King offer a creamy softness.

In terms of price, imported durian is usually more expensive due to shipping costs and its reputation, while local durian is easier to find and has a longer harvest season, making it a more affordable choice for durian lovers at home.

6. Questions About Durian

Durian, the king of fruits that is full of controversy, indeed has a plethora of questions surrounding its safety! Although it is rich in potassium, which can affect blood pressure, its effects vary for each individual. Therefore, for those with hypertension, consulting a doctor before indulging in large amounts of durian is highly recommended.

Once opened, durian should be enjoyed immediately, as it only lasts 1-2 days in the refrigerator, although its taste and texture may deteriorate. The combination of durian and alcohol is also a point of concern, as it can trigger significant spikes in blood pressure, so it is better to avoid having both together.

If the aroma of durian still lingers on your hands, try washing them with lime juice or toothpaste to eliminate the smell. And for pregnant women, although there are no specific prohibitions against enjoying durian, it is still advisable to consult with a doctor to ensure that consumption remains safe and does not cause spikes in blood sugar or blood pressure.

(kpl/rao)