Question 1

What is Durio zibethinus used for in ayurvedic medicine?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lanka's ayurvedic tradition, various parts of the durian tree — including the fruit pulp, leaves, and roots — have been used in preparations to address fever, improve energy, and treat certain skin conditions. The plant is documented in the national catalogue of ayurvedic medicinal plants. Traditional applications are based on centuries of empirical practice, and a qualified practitioner should be consulted before use.

Question 2

Does durian grow in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Yes, durian trees are cultivated in Sri Lanka's wet-zone lowlands, particularly in the southwestern coastal areas and lower Sabaragamuwa Province. The species is not native to the island but has been grown here for generations, primarily in home gardens and small fruit farms. It thrives in warm, humid conditions with good drainage.

Question 3

When is durian season in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Durian in Sri Lanka typically fruits around June to August, though the exact season can shift depending on the location, elevation, and annual rainfall patterns. Availability is limited compared to Southeast Asia, so finding fresh durian often requires visiting local markets in wet-zone districts during this window.

Question 4

What does durian smell like and why is it so strong?

Accepted Answer

Durian is widely known for its intense, penetrating odour, which has been described as a combination of ripe cheese, onion, and sweet custard. The smell comes from a complex mixture of sulphur-containing volatile compounds produced as the fruit ripens. The flavour of the flesh is much more pleasant to most people than the aroma, combining rich, custard-like sweetness with savoury notes.

Question 5

Can you eat durian and drink alcohol at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Traditional caution in several Asian cultures advises against combining durian with alcohol. Some research suggests that compounds in durian may inhibit aldehyde dehydrogenase, an enzyme involved in alcohol metabolism, potentially intensifying discomfort. The effect is not the same for everyone, but it is a widely observed precaution worth taking seriously.

Question 6

What part of the durian tree is used medicinally?

Accepted Answer

Multiple parts of the tree have documented traditional uses. The fruit pulp is eaten for its nutritional and warming properties, while decoctions of the leaves and roots have been used in folk medicine to manage fever. Externally, boiled leaves have been applied to the skin in some traditional remedies. Seeds can also be cooked and consumed as a starchy food.

Question 7

Is Durio zibethinus the same as the durian sold in supermarkets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Durio zibethinus is the species behind virtually all commercially sold durian worldwide. The genus Durio contains around 30 species, but only D. zibethinus is cultivated at scale. Hundreds of cultivated varieties exist, ranging from relatively mild to extremely pungent, and breeders in Thailand and Malaysia have developed popular named cultivars such as Musang King and Mon Thong.