The Durian (stinky fruit) - a fascinating fruit
The durian is a tropical fruit native primarily to Southeast Asia. They grow on giant trees and can grow up to 30 centimeters in size. Their spiky skin is green-brown and contains creamy, yellow flesh. The flavor is unique—a blend of vanilla, honey, and onions that fascinates many people, but also puts them off.
Many describe the smell of durian as extremely intense and even repulsive. In fact, it's so intense that the fruit is banned from many public transportation and buildings in Southeast Asia. But it's precisely this intense scent that attracts durian lovers. For them, it's part of the charm of this special fruit.
Why Durian is so special
In addition to its distinctive taste and smell, the durian has a few other special features:
Nutritious and healthy
Durian is not only delicious but also very nutritious. It contains many important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and iron. It is also rich in fiber and protein. This makes it not only delicious but also very healthy.
Versatile
The durian can be prepared and used in a variety of ways. The flesh can be eaten raw or processed into smoothies, ice cream, or cakes. It also makes an excellent addition to savory dishes like curries or rice dishes. Even the durian seeds are edible and can be roasted or boiled.
Cultural heritage in Southeast Asia
In countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the durian holds a special place. It is considered the "king of fruits" and is an integral part of their culture and cuisine. Many festivals and ceremonies revolve around this unique fruit.
How do I recognize a good durian?
If you want to try durian, it is important to pay attention to a few things to get a quality fruit:
- Peel: The peel should be heavy, prickly, and green-brown. The riper the fruit, the darker the peel becomes.
- Weight: A ripe durian should be heavy for its size. The heavier it is, the more flesh it contains.
- Stem: The stem should be firm and green. A brown, drier stem indicates an overripe fruit.
- Smell: The smell should be intense but pleasant. An unpleasant, rotten smell is a sign of overripeness.
At Obstwelt, we take great care to offer only the best and freshest durian fruits. Our team has many years of experience working with this special fruit and knows exactly what it takes.
Try durian - but do it right!
If you have the durian (puke fruit) for the first time, it is important to keep a few things in mind:
- Opening: The spiny shell is best opened with a sharp knife or axe. Be careful, the spines can be very sharp!
- Taste: The flavor is very intense and not to everyone's taste. It's best to start with a small portion and slowly get used to the distinctive taste.
- Preparation: Durian can be prepared in a variety of ways. Try it raw, in smoothies, ice cream, or cakes. It also goes well in savory dishes.
At Obstwelt, we not only offer the freshest durian fruits, but also delicious recipes and preparation tips. Let our team advise you and discover the diversity of this special fruit.
Conclusion
The durian is indeed a fascinating fruit with its unique taste and aroma. It's not only delicious, but also very healthy and versatile.
If you'd like to try the queen of fruits, just stop by our Obstwelt store. Our team will be happy to advise you and help you find the perfect durian for you. Let yourself be enchanted by this special fruit!
Cooking Durian
Durian (also called the "king of fruits") is a coveted delicacy in many parts of Southeast Asia. Its intense aroma and creamy flesh can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some popular ideas for using durian in your cooking.
1. Durian smoothie
Ingredients (for 2 glasses)
- 200 g durian pulp , fresh or frozen
- 200 ml coconut milk (or regular milk if you prefer something less exotic)
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or sugar (to taste)
- Some ice or cold water to achieve the desired consistency
- (Optional) a pinch of vanilla or some cinnamon
preparation
- Remove any seeds and any hard fibers from the durian flesh.
- Blend all ingredients in a blender until you get a creamy shake.
- Sweeten to taste and serve with ice.
Tip : Durian is naturally sweet. Be careful with the honey or sugar content.
2. Durian Pancakes (Asian-Style Durian Pancakes)
Durian pancakes are very popular in many Asian countries (e.g., Malaysia, Singapore). They consist of a thin crepe batter filled with a creamy durian whipped cream filling and served chilled.
Ingredients (for 6-8 pieces)
-
Pancake batter :
- 150 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 250 ml milk
- 1 tbsp oil or melted butter
- 1 pinch of salt
-
Filling :
- 200 g durian pulp , finely pureed
- 200 ml cream , whipped until stiff (or coconut cream)
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar or sweetener to taste
preparation
- Make the pancake batter : Mix flour, eggs, milk, butter/oil, and a pinch of salt until a smooth batter forms. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Fry thin pancakes/crepes in a nonstick pan. Let cool.
-
Filling :
- Finely puree the durian pulp (preferably without any fibers).
- Whip the cream until stiff and carefully fold it into the durian puree. Sweeten to taste.
- Spread each cooled pancake with 1-2 tablespoons of the durian cream, fold it up or roll it up (like a small parcel).
- Refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving so that the filling firms up.
Tip : Storing the durian in a cool place also softens its aroma. Perfect for hot days!
3. Durian Sticky Rice
Similar to Mango Sticky Rice, this version with durian is very popular in Thailand.
Ingredients (for 2 servings)
- 150 g sticky rice (sweet rice)
- 150 ml coconut milk
- 50 g sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 200 g durian pulp , cut into bite-sized pieces
preparation
-
Prepare sticky rice :
- Wash sticky rice several times until the water is clear.
- Then soak in water (30 minutes to 2 hours).
- Drain the soaked rice and steam it according to the package instructions or cook it in a rice cooker.
-
Coconut milk sauce :
- Heat coconut milk in a saucepan and dissolve sugar and salt in it.
- Set aside a portion (about 2-3 tablespoons) to drizzle over the finished rice later.
- Stir the hot, cooked sticky rice into the remaining coconut milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes so that it absorbs the milk.
-
Serving :
- Place sticky rice on plates and arrange the durian flesh on top.
- Drizzle the reserved coconut milk sauce over it.
Tip : If you like, you can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or small coconut flakes on top for a crunch.
4. Durian Cheesecake (baked or no-bake)
Durian cheesecake combines the creaminess of cheesecake with the distinctive flavor of durian. It can be made baked or as a no-bake version.
Ingredients (for a 20–22 cm springform pan)
-
Floor :
- 150 g biscuits (e.g. butter biscuits)
- 70 g butter, melted
-
Filling (no-bake version):
- 300 g cream cheese, room temperature
- 200 g whipped cream (or 1 cup of cream, 200 ml)
- 150 g durian puree (without fiber, finely pureed)
- 80–100 g sugar (to taste)
- 1 packet of gelatin powder or agar-agar (dissolve according to instructions)
- (For the baked version, replace gelatin with 2–3 eggs and bake the cake for about 45–50 minutes at 160–170 °C.)
Preparation (without baking)
-
Floor :
- Finely crumble the biscuits (e.g. in a freezer bag with a rolling pin).
- Mix with the melted butter.
- Press into a greased or parchment-lined springform pan to create an even base. Chill.
-
Filling :
- Mix cream cheese with sugar until creamy.
- Stir in durian puree.
- Whip the cream until stiff and fold in carefully.
- Prepare gelatin/agar-agar according to the package instructions and mix carefully into the cheese mixture.
- Pour the filling onto the biscuit base and smooth it out.
- Leave to set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Decorate as desired: e.g. with fresh durian pulp, chocolate shavings or a dollop of cream.
Aroma note : A durian cheesecake can have a very intense aroma – it is best to place it in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator if you want to minimize the smell.
5. Durian sorbet or ice cream
For those who prefer it ice cold, a durian sorbet or creamy durian ice cream is a great refreshment.
Ingredients (basic recipe for durian sorbet, approx. 1 liter)
- 300 g durian pulp , well cleaned
- 200 ml water or coconut water
- 100 g sugar (or sweetener to taste)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for some freshness)
preparation
- Blend the durian pulp with water/coconut water, sugar and lemon juice in a blender until smooth.
- Heat the mixture briefly in a saucepan until the sugar has completely dissolved. Then let it cool.
- Freeze in an ice cream maker or (without an ice cream maker) chill in a suitable container in the freezer, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals.
- After about 3-4 hours you can enjoy the sorbet.
Ice cream variation : Replace the water with sweetened condensed milk, cream or coconut milk for a creamier consistency.
Important information on handling durian
- Odor : Durian has a very intense odor, often described as "onion-like" or "strong cheese." When processing durian at home, ensure good ventilation or store leftover pulp in an airtight container.
- Storage : Durian flesh only stays fresh in the refrigerator for a few days. However, you can also freeze it.
- Handling : Be careful when opening the shell—durian has spines and can secrete sticky juice. Wear gloves or a cloth to hold it.
Conclusion : Whether as a smoothie, dessert, or combined with sticky rice, durian can be prepared in a variety of ways. Those who love its taste especially appreciate its creamy consistency and unique aroma. Just experiment and find out which durian recipe you like best!
