Durian

Durian is the large, spiky fruit of Durio zibethinus, infamous for emitting a powerful sulfurous odour that has led to bans in hotels and public transport across Southeast Asia, yet adored by devotees for its rich, custardy pulp. Often sold ready to eat as whole pulp or segments, it is also preserved by drying, fermentation, salting, or deep freezing for year-round trade, and used as a flavouring in ice cream and cookies. Nutritionally it is rich in sugars and vitamin C, with significant potassium and B vitamins. Quality hinges on harvest maturity and rapid postharvest cooling, since the ripe pulp ferments quickly, and frozen distribution must maintain an unbroken cold chain to protect texture and safety.