Durian is one of the most unique fruits you will ever find.
Durian is one of the most unique fruits you will ever find. It is most prominent in Southeast Asia, but if you know where to look, then you can find it here on our humble shores as well. Here is what you need to know when you have an interest in durian!
It Looks Unusual
The first thing you should know about durian is to expect its odd appearance. Most of them are oval, a foot wide, and spiky. And we meat that they are covered in spines and spikes that make it look much different than its cousin, the dragonfruit. It’s so heavy that you have to hold it by the body – holding it by the stem won’t be enough to keep it steady.
You Can’t Take it With You
It might be dangerous to go alone, but this is something you can’t take with you if you are planning to go on public transport anywhere in southeast Asia. After all, it gives off an overpowering smell that you will remember even after it’s gone. Thailand, Japan, and Hong Kong are some of the places where you can’t go on a bus or train with it. In Singapore, the story is a bit different: it is banned across all forms of transport, and taxi drivers will indicate they will now allow you to board if you are holding one.
Super-Duper
Despite its notorious smell and reputation, durian is actually super good for you. It is loaded with vitamin C, iron, and much like bananas and spinach, it has plenty of potassium, too. Eating durian can make your muscles stronger, make your skin healthier, and help you control your blood pressure! Just be sure not to eat too much, because it could make you dizzy and short of breath.
As It Ages
Depending on the age of the durian, what you see isn’t always what you get. When harvested before it is ripe, it is almost a vegetable because of how hard the hide is. Unlike other fruits, the riper it is, the more appealing it will become. At this point, it is surprisingly sweet and isn’t bitter. They attain the consistency of sour cream and these fruits are typically collected and consumed only after they have fallen off the tree by themselves.
Get All Your Asian Groceries at Lotte Plaza Market
Lotte Plaza Market is your one-stop-shop for all of your Korean and Asian grocery needs. With more than 10 locations in Maryland and Virginia, this growing market is always expanding and opening new markets to serve our customers better. Since we opened in 1976, our goal has always been to provide the best customer service and groceries to our customers. For answers to all of your questions, please email us at LottePlaza.com.