Who can resist the distinctive aroma and rich flavor of durian? This tropical fruit, often called the king of fruits, never fails to attract attention especially among those who love sweet and creamy tastes. But there’s one big challenge many people face when trying to enjoy durian, how to choose a sweet and perfectly ripe one?
If you often end up with durians that are underripe, bland, or overly mushy, don’t worry. There are a few simple yet effective ways to check the quality of a durian even before you open it.
How to Choose a Sweet Durian
To help you pick the right one next time, here are some easy tips on how to choose a sweet durian.
1. Check the Shape and Size
A sweet durian usually has a round and evenly shaped body, not elongated or flat on one side. A round shape indicates that the flesh is evenly distributed inside. Also, go for a medium-sized durian, around 2 to 3 kilograms, since very large durians often have thick flesh but lack sweetness.
If you’re buying from a stall with many options, don’t rush to grab the biggest one. Medium-sized durians with a yellowish-green rind typically offer a more balanced flavor, sweet, rich, and slightly bitter, just like perfectly ripe durian should be.
2. Smell the Aroma
One of the easiest ways to detect a ripe and sweet durian is through its aroma. A perfectly ripe durian will give off a strong, sweet, and distinctive fragrance. If the scent is still faint or barely noticeable, it’s likely that the durian hasn’t fully ripened yet.
However, be cautious with durians that have an overpowering or sharp smell, it might indicate the flesh is overripe or starting to ferment. So, look for an aroma that’s strong but still pleasant on the nose.
3. Shake and Listen
Another way to choose a sweet durian is by gently shaking it. If you hear a soft “klotok” sound or feel the seed slightly moving inside, it’s a good sign that the durian is ripe and the flesh has separated from the shell. But a perfectly ripe durian has a soft, muffled sound, signaling a creamy, tender texture without being too mushy.
4. Observe the Stem and Spikes
Freshly harvested durians usually have a light brown, slightly moist stem. If the stem looks dry or cracked, it might mean the durian has been picked for too long or stored improperly.
Also, check the spikes. The spikes of a ripe and sweet durian tend to be widely spaced and slightly blunt at the tips, while sharp and closely packed spikes usually mean the flesh inside is still firm.
5. Choose Naturally Ripened Durians
If you’re buying directly from a farmer or traditional market, ask whether the durian fell naturally from the tree or was picked early. Naturally fallen durians usually have a sweeter taste, stronger aroma, and softer texture.
Durian that’s picked before fully ripe might look nice on the outside but often tastes bland and has firm, less enjoyable flesh.
6. Taste Before Buying (If Possible)
Some sellers allow you to sample a small portion before making a purchase. Take advantage of this to make sure the flavor and ripeness suit your taste.
A perfectly sweet durian should have a soft, slightly oily texture and a multi-layered sweetness, not just sugary at first bite but also leaving a creamy aftertaste that lingers on your tongue.
Read more: Cheese for Fruit Salad to Make It Even More Delicious
Make Your Durian Dishes Creamier and Tastier with FiberCreme!
Now that you know how to choose a sweet and perfectly ripe durian, it’s time to take your durian experience to the next level! Try turning it into creamy desserts like the trending es teler, durian pancake, and even durian sticky rice.
If you want to enjoy that creamy texture without guilt, use FiberCreme as a substitute for coconut milk or dairy milk. This high-fiber creamer makes your durian creations smoother, tastier, and healthier, since it’s low in sugar and contains 0mg cholesterol.
Let’s get creative with your favorite durian desserts and add a touch of extra creaminess with FiberCreme! Find more recipe inspirations on Instagram @FiberCreme_TV and YouTube channel Ellenka.
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