Of all the fruits known to man, durian might be one of the most understudied. And it’s no surprise why – they are pretty rare in areas beyond Southeast Asia and carry with them a unique smell that has compared to “rotten garbage”.
That being said, there are a substantial number of myths surrounding the mystery King of Fruit that have deterred naysayers from having a taste.
If you have abstained from durian because you thought it was “fattening” and “unhealthy”, then you are in for a real shocker because we’ll be debunking 5 of the most notable myths surrounding durian.
Get ready for some real shockers!
Myth 1: Durian is Fattening
This is definitely untrue especially if you enjoy durian in moderation. Truthfully, overindulging in anything can cause weight gain and poses health risks. In fact, common foods in Asian cuisine like white rice and white noodles have been associated with weight gain!
Durian might have a bad reputation for contributing to obesity because of its high sugar content, but this assumption is false.
On the other hand, durian is loaded with fibre. It keeps your tummy full and promotes healthy digestion.
If you are watching your weight or trying to lose some weight, don’t torture yourself by abstaining from durians when you are craving for it. Enjoy them in moderation or share them with a friend to avoid wastage.
Myth 2: Durian Improves your Sex Drive
Aphrodisiac foods like artichokes, asparagus, and oysters are known to boost the libido due to their phytochemical-rich properties and the presence of arginine. They enhance blood flow to the genitals and boost endurance.
Unfortunately, durian is not one of these foods.
While durian is indeed known to raise one’s body temperature, there is no scientific evidence that it can increase one’s libido.
Myth 3: Durians can Give You a Sore Throat
“You mustn’t eat too many durians because it will give you a sore throat the next day!”
“You need to eat durians with mangosteen to combat a sore throat.”
Like nuts, chips and chocolate, durians might be a little on the ‘heaty’ side, but they are not the sole cause of sore throats. Sore throats, on the contrary, are often due to dehydration.
Eating durian isn’t going to give you a sore throat the next day if you hydrate after enjoying them and maintain a healthy diet.
Feast in peace, but remember to hydrate after the feast is over!
Myth 4: Durians are only Available During Durian Season
Durian season is indeed a paradise for durian lovers because the fruits are the ripest, but it isn’t the only time for durian lovers to satisfy their cravings.
There are minor seasons between December to February.
While favourites like Pahang Mao Shan Wang (also known as Musang King) taste best during durian season, you can find other lesser-known species in areas like Johor, Yong Peng and Muar.
If you’re lucky, you might even be able to other species like red prawn and Jin Feng durians during this period.
Yet, if you must have your Musang King Durian regardless, you can get frozen ones and store them for the long-term.
Speaking of Mao Shan Wang…
When you think of durian, Mao Shan Wang is probably the first species that comes to mind.
Not only do they taste sublime, but there are numerous Mao Shan Wang goodies out there like Mao Shan Wang ice-cream, Musang King cake and more.
Mao Shan Wang might be among one of the most well-known species, but there certainly are other types of durians that meet the mark with their own unique tastes and aromas.
For instance, red prawn has a more pungent aroma and a creamier texture. Likewise, XO durian’s bittersweet and alcoholic-like taste is definitely unrivalled.