The giant, smelly fruit is the durian (Durio zibethinus), a tropical fruit widely cultivated and prized in Southeast Asia. It is known as the "king of fruits" but is infamous globally for its powerful and divisive odor.
Durian tastes like a rich, custardy, sweet, and nutty blend, often compared to vanilla, caramel, or cheesecake, but with complex savory notes of garlic, onion, and even a hint of alcohol or strong cheese, depending on the variety and ripeness, creating a polarizing, unforgettable experience. Its texture is soft, creamy, and pillowy, like a thick custard or avocado, though some find it mushy.
Nourishes teeth. Raw durian pulp is high in calcium, which helps fortify bones and teeth. Regulates blood pressure. Durian contains potassium and monounsaturated fat, which help lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.
The smell of durian is attributed to its composition of volatile sulfur compounds, which are also found in onions, garlic, and skunk spray.
Feeling sick after durian is common due to its richness (high fat/sugar), causing indigestion or overheating, and natural sulfur compounds that can interact with alcohol or other foods, leading to nausea, dizziness, or stomach pain; it's considered a "hot" fruit that can increase body temperature and may cause discomfort, especially with overconsumption or mixing with alcohol, caffeine, or rich foods.
Durian is banned in many public places, hotels, and public transport in Southeast Asia primarily due to its extremely pungent, lingering smell, which some find overpowering and offensive, causing discomfort or even illness in others. While loved by many for its unique taste, the strong aroma, described as a mix of sulfur, sewage, and onions, leads to bans in enclosed spaces like planes, trains (MRT in Singapore), and hotel rooms.
Drinking plenty of plain water can help cool down after eating durian, or eating durian with mangosteen can reduce the heat. Exercise. Knowing that eating durian can easily lead to weight gain, it is advisable to take time to exercise after eating to help burn off energy, leaving nothing stored as fat.
Durian contains high levels of dietary fibre, which are important for the normal function of the digestive system. Fibre causes bowel movement to increase in bulk, which makes it easier for them to move through the intestinal tract.
Durio zibethinus is the only species available in the international market: other species are sold in their local regions. Durio zibethinus or locally known as durian is belongs to the family of Bombacaceae, or by others in a broadly defined Malvaceae or by others in a smaller family of just seven genera Durionaceae.
Consider that farmers take on quite a huge risk when they first started to plant their durian trees. There is no guarantee of success, and that it would take years or even decades before saplings become mature trees that bear fruits that qualify as consumable or premium grade.
“To enjoy the nutritional benefits of durian safely, limit intake to no more than two medium-sized pieces per day, or about 80g,” she said. Eating too much durian could have a negative impact on blood sugar levels, she noted. “Bingeing on durian may cause discomfort and disrupt normal metabolic functions.
The sweet and grassy aroma of the pandan leaves helps neutralise the strong durian smell.
In order to find durians, elephants follow its infamous odor. While a variety of species find the durian appetizing, including both tigers and orangutans, only those digested and expelled by an elephant is sought after. Elephant ingested durian isn't the only costly fecal delicacy in Asia.
Durian invites passion from both devotees and detractors. Famous foodie Anthony Bourdain was a fan, although he acknowledged durian had some drawbacks. “Your breath will smell as if you'd been French-kissing your dead grandmother.”
China is now the world's top importer of durian, accounting for around 95% of global demand. Its imports surged to a record high of nearly US$7 billion (£5.2 billion) in 2024.
Durian on an empty stomach: It can be eaten in moderation, as durian acts as a mild natural laxative and may help cleanse the intestines. Drink water afterward to prevent “internal heat.”
Here are some foods to avoid eating with, or after eating durian.
Eating durian fruit might cause side effects like:
Despite the myths associated with the durian, it remains a highly prized fruit. Final message from our dietitians: The durian is a highly nutritious fruit which, when eaten in moderation, will provide the body with many minerals, vitamins and good fats.
The mango is known as the 'king of fruit' throughout the world. The name 'mango' is derived from the Tamil word 'mangkay' or 'man-gay'. When the Portuguese traders settled in Western India they adopted the name as 'manga'. Mangos originated in East India, Burma and the Andaman Islands bordering the Bay of Bengal.
A popular fruit in South-East Asia, the durian is cultivated all over the region, particularly in Malaysia, its place of origin, Indonesia and Thailand. It is also grown in Sri Lanka, South India and Australia.