Even though durian has a disgusting smell, it can't stop people from loving it. Every year, there are people around me who once declared they would "never eat durian in their lifetime" who end up joining the durian lovers club. The charm of durian is magical; its loyal fans are like disciples spread all over the globe. With durian pizza, durian cake, durian pancakes, durian ice cream, and durian flying pancakes being made, it seems like restaurants all over the planet are about to be taken over by durian.
However, many people around are still just consumers who only eat the pre-packaged pulp, knowing nothing about selecting varieties or judging quality, feeling unable to feast on fresh durian to their heart's content. In fact, durian is not that mysterious; you can conquer it just by mastering a few simple tricks.
How to Choose a Durian
Selecting a durian involves many factors, including variety, origin, climate, fertilization and harvesting time, and ripeness. It contains a lot of knowledge.
Variety
There are over two hundred varieties of durian, with sixty to eighty commonly cultivated. We only need to be familiar with a few common ones:
1. Gao Yen Tao: The flesh is especially delicate, sweet, and has small seeds. It is very popular in the market, but the price is also a bit expensive.
2. Mao Shan Wang: It has a lot of flesh, a sweet taste, and one of its lobes is particularly large. The flavor is not strong, making it a beginner's choice. It is currently the most popular variety.
2. Chanee: It is small in size, has a lot of flesh, and small seeds. The best flesh is deep yellow. It is cheaper than Mao Shan Wang.
Shape
Long-shaped with a long, pointed tail. This type of durian has thin skin, thick flesh, and smaller seeds.
Color
The best color is pale yellow-green or golden yellow.
Shell
The spines are large and sparse. This type of durian has more pulp, thicker flesh, and a finer texture.
Ripeness
It's best to buy a durian that is 70-80% ripe. The smell won't be too strong, making it easier for beginners to accept.
Scent
If you smell an alcoholic odor, it has definitely spoiled. Do not buy it.
Healthy Eating Rules for Durian
How to Cut It
Although it may look difficult, durian shells often have cracks. Gently pry it open with a knife, and you can break it apart. The creamy-yellow flesh sits plumply in the shell, and you can easily pull it out lobe by lobe with your hands. If there are no cracks, just hold it and gently tap it on the ground to create a crack.
How to Eat It
Eating too much durian can cause "heatiness." Daily consumption should not exceed 100g. Additionally, because durian has a thick texture that can easily build up in the intestines, drinking more water can aid digestion.
Contraindications
Durian is high in calories and sugar, so overweight people should eat less of it, and diabetics should avoid it altogether. It is also high in potassium, so people with kidney or heart disease should eat less. Patients with high blood pressure should also avoid it, and it should never be consumed with alcohol.
How to Get Rid of the Unforgettable Durian Smell
· Hold the durian shell under running water, letting the water flow over it, to wash your hands and rinse your mouth. This can help reduce the durian smell.
· Or, use the durian shell to hold some salt water and drink it. This has a "heat-clearing" effect and can help eliminate the durian taste in your mouth.