Durian civet (Durio zibethinus) is a fruit tree from the Malvaceae family. The genus durian includes about 30 species, of which only 9 are edible. The edible fruits have excellent taste and various medicinal properties. But their pungent odor and storage difficulties do not allow the plant to be widely distributed. Durian civet is the most famous species of the durian genus. Its fruits are grown and sold not only in its natural homeland, but also abroad.
The word durian comes from the Malaysian duri, which means thorn. The fruits of this plant are covered with a dense shell with numerous thorns. For the extraordinary taste of their pulp, durians are sometimes called the "king of fruits".
Where durian grows
Originally from Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia. He needs a hot tropical climate with a lot of light and moisture, frequent watering or the proximity of a reservoir. It is grown in its homeland, as well as in India, Africa, Brazil, Indochina, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
Description of the fruit tree
Durian civet is a tall tropical tree reaching 40-45 m in height. The leaves are tough, alternate, with even, straight edges and a pointed tip. Their oval shape reaches 30 cm in length and 7 in width. The upper side of the leaf is smooth, bright green, the underside is silvery, rough, with tiny golden scales.
Flowers are bisexual, white, yellow or pink in color, located on the branches and trunk of the tree. Their size is not very large - about 5 cm, but they are collected in half-umbellate inflorescences containing up to 30 flowers on each branch. Blossom at night. The pungent sour smell attracts bats, they feed on nectar, durian pollen and pollinate flowers.
The fruits are large, round, heavy. With a size of about 30 cm in diameter and weighing more than 5 kg, the falling fruit is able to break the head of any passer-by. The flesh is covered with a tough, dense crust with numerous thorns. The spiny coat is green-brown or yellowish, the inner contents are white, cream or yellow-red. The seeds are distributed over five nests.
The smell of the fruit is disgusting. Sharp and sour, it is compared to rotten onions, rotten eggs, turpentine, etc. The pulp is juicy, sweet, soft and buttery. It tastes like vanilla cream with a subtle note of almonds, cream, pineapple and strawberry. According to local residents, the smell of durian evokes thoughts of the nightmares of hell, its taste - of the delights of paradise.
Different varieties differ slightly in taste and smell. Red durian has a delicate caramel taste, but an ugly smell of turpentine, and the Mera variety smells like fried almonds. Thai varieties are recognized as the best for the sweetest taste and least pungent smell.
Growing durian
A well-fertilized, well-drained soil is suitable for durian. Like many tropical plants, it is very demanding on heat, light and high humidity.
It can multiply by seeds, grafting, rooting, shoots. The durian seedling will reach its maturity and will begin to bear fruit only after 15 years. Trees grown by grafting give their first harvest in 4-5 years. Most often, durian is grown from seed in a seedling manner.This is the easiest and most comfortable landing option. Fruiting of such plants begins from 7-15 years of age. But, unfortunately, the seeds have a short implementation time. Fresh seeds germinate within 7 days and develop very well and quickly. The dried ones usually do not germinate at all.
A developing tree is regularly fertilized, mulched, and abundantly watered. In March-April, the plant begins to bloom and smell unpleasant. The sour smell attracts the main pollinators at night - bats. Ball-shaped fruits are tied on the thick branches and trunk of the durian. During ripening, the tough pulp of the fruit ferments inside, an unpleasant smell of something rotten appears. In July-August, ripe fruits fall from the tree, the thorny rind flaps open. Sometimes it takes about 7 more days for fallen fruits to ripen. Overripe pulp acquires strong bitterness and is not edible.
The maximum yield of durian civet reaches 50 fruits from one tree. The fruit is harvested when its tough shell begins to crack. If the fruit is cut, it is left to ripen for several days. All work should be carried out in a helmet, it is not recommended to go without protective equipment under a tree. A heavy fruit (weighing more than 5 kg) can fall from a great height (a tree is 30-40 m tall) and cause serious injury.
Like many plant fruits, durian can be stored in a cool, dry place, but separate from food. Fruit is difficult to keep indoors and next to other foods because of the awful smell. In the countries of Southeast Asia, the presence of durian in many public places is prohibited.
Application
Durian, aka the "king of fruits", has excellent taste and is considered an exquisite delicacy. It is consumed fresh, as well as dried, boiled, salted, and various sauces are prepared. The crushed seeds are an excellent seasoning.
Fruits contain many vitamins and microelements: amino acids, fiber, potassium, vitamins A, C, D, K, B vitamins, carotenoids, vegetable protein.
Hunters use durian as bait to catch some wild animals.
The healing properties of the fruit help to heal many diseases. In the countries of Southeast Asia, durian is believed to rejuvenate the body. The manganese and dietary fiber contained in it are very beneficial for diabetics, as they contribute to the regulation of blood sugar levels. Medicines are prepared from various parts of the plant for the treatment of colds, a number of skin diseases, and jaundice. Durian improves bowel function, removes carcinogens, is widely used in folk medicine.
The rich mineral composition and extraordinary taste endow the pulp of the fruit with great nutritional value, many healing effects, but its unpleasant odor prevents the wide spread of the plant.
