What Is Durian Fruit?

What Is Durian?

Often referred to as "The King of Fruits" in Southeast Asia, durian is a fascinating and distinct fruit. It grows on multiple species of trees across the region, with a thick, brown, spiked outer rind that encases soft, light yellow pods inside.

Durian is sometimes mistaken for jackfruit due to their similar appearance—both are large, spiky fruits commonly used in Asian cuisine. The key difference is their size: jackfruit is noticeably larger. While both have sharp, jagged spikes on their exterior, durian’s spikes are much more pronounced, making it tricky to handle.

What Does Durian Taste Like?

Fresh, ripe durians are known for their sweet and indulgent flavor, often likened to custard. The taste has been compared to a blend of caramel, vanilla, and even cheesecake, with a soft and creamy texture that feels almost pillow-like. This combination of richness and sweetness makes durian a great addition to desserts, though it can also work in savory dishes.

Durian is also famous for its strong and distinctive odor. While some find its smell overpowering and unpleasant, it doesn’t affect the fruit’s delicious taste. The smell is caused by a chemical called ethanethiol, which intensifies as the fruit ripens. The odor can be so pungent that durian is banned on public transport in Singapore and restricted in certain hotels.

Everyone has different sensitivities to smells, and the aroma of durians varies depending on their ripeness. If you can tolerate the scent of strong cheeses, you'll likely be fine with the smell of durian. Don’t let the odor stop you from trying this unique and flavorful fruit.

How to Cook With Durian

Bought a fresh durian and wondering what to do next? Don’t be intimidated—it’s easier to prepare than it looks. If the spikes are sharp, rubber gloves are a good idea. Start by setting up a workstation with a damp paper towel beneath your cutting board and have a bowl ready to catch the durian pieces as you cut it open.

To prepare durian, start by cutting it lengthwise with a sharp knife. Peel away the tough outer rind and discard it. Then, open each pod by hand and remove the seeds. Fresh durian is a fantastic addition to desserts, particularly creamy ones, or recipes where its flavor is echoed — think vanilla, almond, and caramel. Durian custard makes an unforgettable filling for cream puffs, and mixing durian puree into vanilla ice cream can elevate a simple dessert to something extraordinary.

Cekodok Durian, or durian fritters, are a delicious and popular treat where the entire durian pod is battered and fried to a crispy perfection. Durian is so versatile, it can be enjoyed both raw and cooked, making it easy to add to your favorite dishes. If you already have a go-to cheesecake recipe, try swirling in some pureed durian for an exciting twist. If you enjoy drizzling fruit compote over pancakes, cook down some durian with brown sugar for a rich, irresistible topping.

Where to Find Durian Fruit

If you're searching for fresh durian, begin by checking the tropical fruits section of your local grocery store. If it’s not available there, ask the grocer if they carry it. Since durian is not often found in Western supermarkets, your best bet is to visit an Asian market where you're more likely to find this unique fruit.

If you want to try durian but would rather skip the work of preparing it yourself, pre-cleaned, packaged durian is available at Asian markets and online. It’s typically sold frozen, either as whole pods, pods with seeds, or even pureed. You might even find it freeze-dried, which is perfect for snacking on the go.

How to Store Durian

Durian can spoil quickly, especially when overripe, so it’s best to enjoy it soon after purchasing. If you're not eating it right away, store your whole durian at room temperature on the counter. Once you’ve opened the fruit and removed the pods, rinse them under cool water and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days.