Cover Durian, a fruit shrouded by misconceptions (Photo: Unsplash)
Durian, a fruit shrouded by misconceptions (Photo: Unsplash)
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We’re taking a look at some common durian misconceptions you should know
Durian—you either love it or hate it. It is either incredibly sought after when in season or avoided at all costs for its pungent profile. As with any divisive phenomenon, myths, legends, and old wives’ tales surround this peculiar fruit.
Whether you were warned against the supposedly deadly combination of durian and alcohol or were told drinking cola alongside durian will cause certain death, if you grew up in Malaysia, you’ve probably heard more than a few.
We’re delving deep into durian lore and putting the spotlight on a few spurious claims surrounding the fruit. Did these emerge out of genuine concern, or has the controversial fruit blurred the lines between fiction and fact?
Read more: Durian Delights: 6 types of durians we love
Mixing durian with alcohol can kill you
Above Durians piled into the boot of a car (Photo: Dupe Photos)
Above Glasses of cocktails (Photo: Dupe Photos)
Durians piled into the boot of a car (Photo: Dupe Photos)
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The most common takeaway from any durian myth is that eating this fruit with virtually anything else will kill you. One of the most popular durian deterrents is that combining it with alcohol can be deadly. While it was once suggested that the fruit’s high sulphur content could lead to emphasised symptoms of intoxication, the effects of consuming durian with alcohol won’t really differ from eating just the fruit.
However, as both alcohol and durian can increase body temperatures, excessive consumption may cause heartburn and bloating. This combination isn’t fatal but may cause some discomfort.
Never drink milk with durian
Above A durian cut in half (Photo: Unsplash)
Above Milk and cookies (Photo: Unsplash)
A durian cut in half (Photo: Unsplash)
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A popular old wives’ tale surrounding durian claims that mixing the fruit with milk can raise your blood pressure so high that you suffer a heart attack. This is a myth I, like many of us, grew up believing. Looking closely at the argument, however, it’s easy to see that most of these entries are far-fetched.
No scientific evidence suggests that milk and durian are catalysts for heart attacks or even headaches. If this were true, we’d probably hear of a lot more adverse reactions to durian flavoured ice cream.
See also: 9 decadent durian desserts to try in the Klang Valley
Durian is full of cholesterol
Above Durians for sale in Kuala Lumpur (Photo: Unsplash)
Durians for sale in Kuala Lumpur (Photo: Unsplash)
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In short, no! Durian has zero milligrams of cholesterol. Durian may actually help reduce levels of bad cholesterol since they contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. This myth is probably derived from durian’s unique buttery texture and is based purely on a fallacy.
The tropical fruit is incredibly nutritious, being high in vitamin C, potassium, fibre, and manganese.
Pairing durian with cola can be lethal
Above Fresh durians (Photo: Unsplash)
Above Pouring a glass of cola (Photo: Unsplash)
Fresh durians (Photo: Unsplash)
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Food related misconceptions often involve everyone’s favourite soda—cola. From warnings against mixing the fizzy drink with cous cous or eating Mentos with cola, this beverage can’t seem to catch a break. Combining durian with cola will not result in death.
The high carbohydrate content of durian may cause bloating when mixed with soda, but it is still a safe combination to consume. Excessive consumption of sugary foods may pose complications for those with diabetes and in the long run, but is not lethal.
Don’t miss: 10 brands you thought were Malaysian but aren’t
The love-hate relationship between mangosteen and durian
Above Mangosteens in a market (Photo: Unsplash)
Above Durians before harvest (Photo: Unsplash)
Mangosteens in a market (Photo: Unsplash)
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Durian lore is one rooted in heaty foods. In traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, this term is used to describe warming foods that may increase body temperatures. Durian is considered heaty for the temporary increase in body heat eating this food causes. Practitioners of Chinese medicine and Ayurveda sometimes advocate the pairing of heaty foods with cooling foods.
That’s where mangosteen comes in. Some suggest eating both fruits in one sitting, which proves dangerous on account of high sugar content. Others claim mangosteen counteracts the warming properties of durian. There’s no proof to support the latter. Mangosteen and durian are commonly eaten together simply because they share the same fruiting season.
About
Chelsea is a Dining Writer for Tatler Malaysia. When she’s not eating or writing about eating, she’s probably deciphering which oat milks froth the best for homemade flat whites.
Work
Chelsea writes about where to find great food and is passionate about exploring the cultural significance of different cuisines.
