Durian
Durian (lat. Durio) is a genus of plants belonging to the Malvaceae family, which includes about thirty species.
Description
Durian is an evergreen, slightly branched and rather large tree, endowed with simple leaves and fancy supporting roots.
Quite large durian flowers can be painted in both red and white tones. They usually develop on the largest branches (this phenomenon is called ramifloria) or directly on the trunks (caulifloria). During the day, the flowers are usually closed — they open only in the evening. And they are pollinated not only by bees, but also by agile bats.
Durian fruits are endowed with very hard shells and are abundantly covered with quite powerful spines, which reliably protect the contents of unripe fruits from a wide variety of animals. As a rule, all fruits open into five valves, along the edges of each of which there are dark seeds equipped with arylluses (fleshy appendages). Inside, the durian is divided into segments equipped with white walls, and each segment contains three to four seeds.
Despite the incredibly disgusting smell exuded by durian fruits (this feature does not allow them to be stored in tightly closed rooms, moreover, these fruits are not allowed into most public places), they are considered the most valuable fruit in South America (especially in Brazil) and in Southeast Asia. By the way, the local residents themselves say about these fruits that their taste gives heavenly pleasure, and the smell can evoke visions of hell. And yet, durian is called the “king of fruits”, and it is not cheap. And the most nutritious and delicious durian grows in Thailand.
Quality durian has a smooth texture and a rich, sweet flavor reminiscent of the familiar custard. The taste of this exquisite fruit is somewhat reminiscent of pineapple, mango, banana, vanilla and even overripe papaya. As for the extremely unpleasant odor, it is only the peel that emits it. The best option is to eat this fruit with a spoon, otherwise even the most fragrant soap will not be able to wash away the ingrained smell. As a rule, for the first time durian is tasted in the same way as vodka — after exhaling the air, you bring the pulp to your mouth. By the way, this fruit is incredibly filling — one single slice eaten in the morning lasts until dinner. And even a slight feeling of hunger does not arise.
Benefit
In addition to the fact that durian is a very tasty fruit, it is also incredibly healthy. This fruit is the only edible fruit rich in organic sulfur. It is very easily digestible, helps restore the balance of blood sugar and takes an active part in the process of removing toxins from the body. Sulfur also helps fight aging.
Durian pulp is an excellent anthelmintic, a decoction of the fruits and leaves is drunk as an antipyretic drug and applied to skin inflammations, and medicinal baths with the addition of leaves of this plant will serve well in cases of bile spillage. In addition, after childbirth, many women consume burnt bark ash.
Durian is also famous for its bactericidal effect; moreover, it increases the likelihood of pregnancy and helps cleanse the lungs and respiratory tract.
Dried durian bark is actively used as fuel for smoking fish, bark ash is used to bleach silk, and the wood itself is used in the construction of cozy village houses and for the construction of masts for relatively small ships.
Precautions
You should not overuse durian — it is not only healthy, but can also be very dangerous. You should not eat too many fruits at one time, and even more so you should not drink alcohol for at least half an hour after eating this fruit.
In addition, durian is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as well as hypertension.
