Durian Diaries: Fun Facts and Cultural Beliefs You Didn’t Know
Love it or hate it, durian is one fruit you’ll never forget. Known as the “King of Fruits”, this spiky tropical delicacy has a smell so strong, it’s banned on trains, buses, and some hotels. But beyond the strong aroma, durian has a rich world of fun facts, quirky traditions, and cultural beliefs you probably didn’t know about. Let’s dive into the juicy side of durian!
Why So Smelly?
Let’s address the elephant in the room, durian’s smell. It’s been described as rotten onions, sewage, or dirty socks… and that’s putting it nicely. Because of this, durian is banned in many hotels, public transport, and even airplanes. There was once a flight in Indonesia that was delayed just because the passengers couldn’t stand the smell coming from the cargo!
So what causes it? Scientists found that durian contains a chemical called ethanethiol, which is released more as the fruit ripens. That’s why the riper it is, the stronger it smells. Strangely, even though it smells intense, many people say it tastes like sweet, creamy custard. It’s definitely a fruit that surprises you!
Spiky but Special
Durian’s thick, spiky shell isn’t just for looks, it can be dangerous too! Some durians are big and heavy, and if one drops from a tree, it can seriously injure someone. That’s why some people wear helmets in durian orchards. Not even kidding.
Here’s a fun fact: durian flowers are pollinated by bats, not bees. These bats come out at night to feed on the flowers and help the trees grow fruit. Some even believe that tigers in the wild love to eat durians that have fallen on the ground!
Funny Beliefs and Cultural Superstitions
Durian is more than just food, it’s also surrounded by some really interesting beliefs in Asia.
In Indonesia, durian is believed to be an aphrodisiac. There’s even a cheeky local saying that goes, “When the durian falls, the sarong goes up,” which refers to its romantic effects.
In Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia, durian is considered a heaty fruit. That means people believe it can warm your body too much if you eat a lot of it. So, to balance it out, some locals:
- Eat mangosteen together with durian (a “cooling” fruit)
- Drink salt water from the durian shell
- Avoid eating it with alcohol (many say the combo can make you feel sick, read our article to learn more about What Food & Beverage Should Avoid After Eating Durian)
Some even believe pregnant women or those with high blood pressure should avoid eating durian. While there’s no strong medical proof, these traditional beliefs are still widely followed.
There are also legends about durian’s origin. One story from the Philippines tells of a cursed fruit, a king offended a wise hermit, who turned a sweet, smooth fruit into the spiky, stinky durian we know today. Moral of the story: be nice to people… especially if they grow magical fruits.
Strange and Tasty Durian Creations
Think durian is just for snacking? Think again. People around Asia have found creative durian dished (and sometimes weird) to enjoy durian.
Here are some examples:
- Durian crepes, cheesecakes, and mooncakes – perfect for dessert lovers.
- Durian pizza – popular in China, topped with cheese and sweet durian.
- Durian coffee – yes, it exists!
- Tempoyak – fermented durian paste cooked with sambal or fish, loved in Malaysia and Indonesia.
- Durian chips and chocolates – sweet, crunchy, and very durian-y.
- Durian hotpot – some restaurants cook chunks of durian in soup.
- Even durian-flavoured condoms exist, no joke. Durian really went the extra mile!
Durian Festivals and Feasting Fun
Durian season is such a big deal in some countries that they throw full-blown festivals to celebrate it.
In Thailand, the Chanthaburi Durian Festival is held every year. You’ll find durian competitions, tastings, parades, and more. In Malaysia, durian lovers look forward to all-you-can-eat buffets every durian season, especially for varieties like Musang King and Black Thorn.
In the Philippines, especially in Davao City, durian is one of the stars of the Kadayawan Festival. During the festival, you’ll find stalls selling everything durian, fresh fruit, candy, ice cream, and more.
Some events even feature durian-eating competitions and “Durian Queen” pageants. It’s all about fun, food, and celebrating the fruit that brings people together.
So Many Ways to Love Durian
Each country has its own way of loving durian.
In Malaysia, people see durian as something lucky. The phrase “durian runtuh” (meaning “falling durian”) is used when someone gets an unexpected fortune, kind of like hitting the jackpot.
In Indonesia, besides believing it’s an aphrodisiac, locals enjoy fermented durian in spicy dishes.
Thais take great pride in their durian varieties and tell stories of hermits who cursed the fruit into becoming spiky and stinky.
In China, durian is seen as a luxurious gift and a trendy dessert ingredient, especially among young people. Durian pizzas and cakes are super popular there.
And in Singapore, while people love durian, it’s also known for being banned in public places. The smell is that strong!
Conclusion
Durian isn’t just a fruit, it’s a cultural icon, a conversation starter, and a symbol of love (and sometimes danger). From legends and beliefs to food festivals and creative recipes, durian brings people together in the most interesting ways.
So… are you ready to try it? Whether you’re a hardcore fan or a curious first-timer, there’s always something new to learn (or taste!) about the King of Fruits.
