durian
durian
The very large football-sized spikey prehistoric-looking fruit can weight up to 10 lbs (4.5kg) and has been known to kill people falling from the tree. It’s said they fall mainly at night when people aren’t around. The tropical tree is very large- 75-150 ft tall (25-75m). They begin fruiting after 4-5 years and can bear fruit twice a year. People either love or hate the fruit. On one side, it can smell like rotten eggs because of it’s high sulfur content (which is great for youthful skin). This strong odor brings forth vile disgust in many people. But others love the fruit because it’s sweet dessert-like inner flesh looks and tastes like custard, flan or creme brulee, and is quite popular as an aphrodisiac. Very high in tryptophan, which makes people feel good and relax. Also high in protein, sugar, healthy fats and carbs for energy. Each durian has 5 segments which can break open by hand when ripe. Each segment has a soft mass of custard-like flesh with a nut inside. This can be eaten raw or dehydrated or mixed into a pudding in a blender. Nut is also edible. Durian fruit looks similar to Jackfruit on the outside, but isn’t related.
Edible Plant Guide © 2012 Markus Rothkranz