Durian is a tropical fruit distinguished by its large size and spiky, hard outer shell.

It has a pungent smell, custard-like flesh with large seeds.

There are several varieties, but the most common one is Durio zibethinus.

The fruit’s flesh can range in color. It’s most commonly yellow or white, but can also be red or green.

Durian grows in tropical regions around the world, particularly in the Southeast Asian countries of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

The fruit can grow up to 1 foot (30 cm) long and 6 inches (15 cm) wide. A typical durian fruit has about 2 cups (486 grams) of edible pulp.

How is it used?

Durian is used in sweet and savory dishes. Both the creamy flesh and seeds are edible, though the seeds need to be cooked.

The flavor is described as tasting like cheese, almonds, garlic, and caramel all at once.

Common food preparations of durian fruit include:

• juice
• seeds, boiled or roasted
• soup
• candy, ice cream, and other desserts
• side dish

It’s also used in traditional medicine and has some medicinal properties that are currently being studied.

Durian is very high in nutrients compared to most other fruits.

One cup (243 grams) of pulp provides (1Trusted Source):

• Calories: 357
• Fat: 13 grams
• Carbs: 66 grams
• Fiber: 9 grams
• Protein: 4 grams
• Vitamin C: 80% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Thiamine: 61% of the DV
• Manganese: 39% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 38% of the DV
• Potassium: 30% of the DV
• Riboflavin: 29% of the DV
• Copper: 25% of the DV
• Folate: 22% of the DV
• Magnesium: 18% of the DV
• Niacin: 13% of the DV

This nutrient profile makes durian one of the most nutritious fruits worldwide.

It’s also rich in healthy plant compounds, including anthocyanins, carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids. Many of these function as antioxidants (2Trusted Source).