This durian guide is for anyone curious about the taste, the smell, and how to open one without making a mess. Some say it’s the king of fruits, while others won’t go near it. Find out where you stand in this post!
❓What does it taste and smell like?
Durian tastes rich, creamy, and sweet with hints of almond, vanilla, and custard. The flavor can vary in quality: high-end durians are smooth, complex, and less pungent, while cheaper ones may have a more fibrous or overly bitter taste.
Durian has a strong, pungent smell often described as a mix of ripe fruit, roasted garlic, and sweet onion. Some find it off-putting at first, while others grow to love its bold, complex aroma.
The scent and flavor also depends on the variety; higher-quality durians tend to smell and taste sweeter than cheaper ones.
🛒 Where to buy durian
Durian can be purchased worldwide at Asian grocery stores, specialty fruit markets, or online retailers that offer shipping services for frozen durian. In Southeast Asia, you’ll find fresh durian at local markets and roadside stalls.
❤️ Tips for choosing a good durian
Follow these tips to pick a ripe durian:
- Smell it: A strong, sweet smell means it’s ready. No smell usually means it’s underripe.
- Tap the shell: In Thailand, sellers tap it with a stick. A hollow sound means it’s ripe.
- Check the stem: A fresh, greenish stem means it was picked recently. Dry stems are older.
- Press the seams: Gently press along the natural lines. If it gives slightly, the inside is soft and creamy.
- Avoid cracks: Large cracks or dried-out spots can mean it’s overripe.
- For frozen durian: Choose vacuum-sealed packs with firm-looking pods and no freezer burn.
🔪 How to cut durian?
- Cut off the bottom tip of the durian to give yourself a flat base and better access to the seams. Use a thick towel or glove to protect your hand from the spikes.
- Slice off the stem.
- Place the durian bottom-upwards and find the natural seams (lines) that run down the shell; these lines usually indicate where the pods of fruit are. Slice between the seams where the fruit is located.
- Make deep cuts along each seam, slicing downward toward the core where the stem was.
- Continue cutting between the seams to separate each section of the durian husk.
- Use your hands to pry open the durian along those cuts.
- Keep pulling apart the husk until all the segments are open.
- If needed, use your knife again to help split any parts that are still stuck.
- Once a section is fully open, carefully cut into the thick white part (called the pith) to expose the flesh.
- Slice away a bit of the edge to fully reveal the yellow durian flesh inside.
- Make a cut along the back of the shell.
- Pull apart the shell and lift out the durian pods. Ready to eat!
👩🍳 Use it in one of my recipes!
Durian is eaten fresh or used in sweet and savory dishes across Southeast Asia. People enjoy it raw, in desserts like sticky rice or ice cream, or cooked into pastries, custards, and even savory dishes like curry.
Try using it in my recipe for durian cheesecake, durian coffee, or make some crispy homemade chips!
❓Frequently asked questions
Is durian healthy? Yes, durian is healthy. It’s rich in fiber, vitamins C and B, potassium, and healthy fats. Eating it in moderation can support digestion, energy, and heart health.
Is jackfruit the same as durian? No, jackfruit and durian are not the same. Both are large tropical fruits, but they have different flavors, textures, and smells. Durian is soft, creamy, and known for its strong odor, while jackfruit is mildly sweet, fibrous, and has a fruity aroma. They also come from different plant families.
Why is durian banned? Durian is sometimes banned from public transport and hotels because of its strong smell, which many people find unpleasant. The odor can linger and bother others, even when the fruit is sealed.
😊 My opinion
For people who didn’t grow up with durian, the taste and smell can seem a little strange at first, but it’s definitely something you can grow to love. I’ve seen it happen with my husband!
I believe that much of the negativity towards durian comes from social media. People hear how “bad” and “smelly” it is and make up their minds before even giving it a chance, which is such a shame.
It’s honestly my favorite fruit, but I can’t enjoy it as often as I’d like because it’s so expensive!
Durian is expensive because it’s seasonal, labor-intensive to harvest, and difficult to transport due to its size, weight, and strong smell. High-quality varieties like Monthong or Musang King are even pricier because they’re carefully grown, have a shorter shelf life, and are in high demand across Asia and beyond.
If you ever visit Southeast Asia, you should really give it a try! The best season to enjoy durian is from May to August, when it’s at peak ripeness and most affordable.
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