Cover image via Being Hildaladida
There is only one fruit in the world that is as equally adored as it is despised – the durian a.k.a. the indisputable King of Fruits…
Image via magnificentlifeofplants' Tumblr
Depending on your sense of smell, you will either (a) find the smell of durians absolutely heavenly or (b) run fast in the other direction the moment you catch a whiff of the revolting and nauseating smell. There is no in-between.
… And if the sudden influx of durian trucks and stalls have not clued you in already, durian season is finally upon us!
Image via nurhazwaniphotography's Tumblr
In even better news (for durian lovers, at least), coinciding harvests in Johor and Pahang combined with a slower demand due to Ramadan means MOAR DURIANS to chomp on, with prices predicted to drop in the coming weeks!
Image via Miri City Sharing Channel
Durian season in Malaysia usually occurs from June to August every year. Harvest season in Pahang is typically in early July while Johor's tends to be from the end of May to early June.
Durians are very serious business, as indicated by the different grades and species they are separated into. Some of the most popular types of durian you'll find in Malaysia include:
1. Musang King a.k.a. Mao Shan Wang, Rajah Kunyit, Cat Mountain King, Butter Durian
Image via robertchaen.com
One of the most popular durians right now, **Musang King** is placed at the top of the table and is probably the most expensive out of all. The sticky, creamy flesh – golden yellow and smooth – starts off as bitter before ending in a sweet note. The seeds are so small you might even find some seedless ones.
Prices range from RM22 to RM30 per kg.
2. D24 a.k.a. Sultan
Image via robertchaen.com
Thick, gooey, rich, and creamy – the **D24**'s pale yellow flesh is described as strongly bitter with sweetness kicking in after. The smell is said to be the strongest of all durians.
Prices range from RM12 to RM20 per kg.
3. D101
Image via shiokhochiak.blogspot.com
4. Green Bamboo a.k.a. Teka, Chut-keok, Qing Zhu
Image via robertchaen.com
If you love bitter durian that isn't dry, then **Green Bamboo** would be perfect for you. Pale yellow with a greenish tinge, the fibrous flesh is sweet and creamy.
5. XO
The **XO** durian's pale yellow flesh is bitter but extremely soft and fleshy with a slight tinge of an alcoholic taste.
Image via The Straits Times
6. Red Prawn a.k.a. Hong Har, Hong Xia, Ang Heh
7. Durian Kampung
Image via savemoney.my
Despite its rough, hulking appearance and – to some – repulsive smell, the thorny fruit is an excellent source of energy and packed with nutrients including vitamins B and C, potassium, amino acid tryptophan, and fibre. The durian fruit's list of health benefits might surprise you:
Image via Organic Facts
However, be careful not to over-indulge on durians, as you might find yourself packing on a few extra pounds due to its high calorie and fat content! People with diabetes should also limit their durian intake because of the fruit's high sugar content.
Durians have 3 times more fat than most fruits. Although they are generally the good kind of fats (that means **no saturated fats and zero cholesterol**, yippee!), durian lovers who are battling weight gain and obesity should take caution when indulging in durians.
Image via ieatishootipost
It is also widely believed – especially among the Chinese – that durians are of the 'heaty' variety and hence, should not be excessively consumed.
But don't worry, you might have heard from your elders that the 'heat' can be countered by eating mangosteens (a 'cooling' fruit) and/or drinking water (salted, if desired) from a durian husk.
Image via fromlittleindia.blogspot.com
These methods, however, are not scientifically proven. The belief that eating durian and mangosteens together to reduce 'heatiness' probably stemmed from the fact that **both seasonal fruits are [harvested at around the same time](http://says.com/my/lifestyle/eating-cooling-fruits-like-mangosteen-will-cool-you-after-eating-heaty-durians)**.
Now, on to the most important part of eating durians – picking out the perfect one! Newbies buying their own durians for the first time are probably not going to be an expert at first try, but here are some tips to help you:
Some also believe that eating durians with certain beverages (e.g. Coke, alcoholic drinks, and milk) spell a lethal combination that could lead to heart attacks, strokes, fatal blood clots… and death.
In truth, these are just urban myths that are – unfortunately – been shared quite widely on social media because, well, everyone is afraid of dying.
Eating **durians with alcohol and/or Coca Cola** is **likely to cause bloating, indigestion, and general discomfort** because your liver has to work overtime to metabolise the fats and sugars, especially if you've eaten A LOT of those foods. But it's not gonna create cobra poison or make your blood clot and kill you. Moderation is key!
Also, eating **durians with milk** does not cause heart attacks, because heart attacks are caused by a blockage of the artery leading to oxygen deprivation of cardiovascular muscle. If you're still staring at this passage with narrow-eyed skepticism, **how do you explain durian ice cream**?
Image via nkkhoo.com
If you're at a durian buffet or festival, chances are there will be helpers on hand to open your durians for you. In the event that you're planning to take your purchased goods home to be savoured, you need to know how to cut and open your durians:
Image via the kitchn
Check out other alternative ways to get to your durians' succulent flesh **[here](http://www.wikihow.com/Eat-Durian)**. Or watch this video:
But please, for the love of God, do not cut your durians into half! THIS IS AN ABOMINATION:
Image via The Mad Edition
