Durian smoothie is so uniquely delicious, creamy, icy, and a superfood dream of goodness! This Asian fruit is so revered for its intoxicating and sweet flavor, and you’ll fall in love with creamy durian when you get a taste of durian smoothie to start your day or have as a power snack. Take a trip to to Southeast Asian with one of the best durian recipes that is easy and fun to make at home.
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When I was growing up, my Tita ate durian all the time and she introduced everything about durian to me. Being that she was my best friend…of course I tried it! Many times in fact since my childhood.
The spiky exterior of this rather large fruit would reveal a creamy yellow fruit, almost looking like a “big sack” or “massive yellow kidney bean” that would be filled with soft and pillowy fruit. A little weird and mysterious, one might think.
Yes, the aroma can be “interesting” to say the least, but the flavor was one, as even a young child, I loved from the moment I tried it. Frozen durian was always our favorite in addition to avocado smoothie. It was like the most natural durian ice cream, a gift from Mother Nature. Eating this fruit was unreal…because it doesn’t look or taste like anything else.
What is Durian
Here are the top 10 things to understand about durian fruit.
- Durian is a tropical fruit known for its spiky exterior and pungent aroma, often referred to as the “king of fruits.”
- It is native to Southeast Asia and is particularly popular in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
- The creamy yellow flesh of the durian fruit has a unique, sweet flavor that is often described as both delightful and divisive due to its strong smell.
- Durian is rich in nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a sought-after “superfood” in some circles.
- This fruit is often used in various culinary creations, such as durian smoothies, desserts, and even savory dishes in Southeast Asian cuisine.
- The durian season typically runs from June to August, with fruit enthusiasts eagerly awaiting its arrival each year.
- Due to its distinctive fragrance, durian is banned in some hotels, public transportation, and other enclosed spaces in certain countries.
- In some cultures, durian is believed to have aphrodisiac properties, and it is even considered an acquired taste for some.
- People have reported experiencing a range of sensations when eating durian, from euphoria to revulsion, contributing to its enigmatic reputation.
- Despite its polarizing nature, durian continues to be celebrated and consumed by many, both for its taste and its cultural significance in Asia.
What is the Taste of Durian
Durian has a unique taste and texture that is often described as both delightful and sometimes…offensive! So, perspective can be everything and being open to try this fruit will help set your mind.
For me, it’s a magical fruit and you’re lucky to get to taste it if you can. There are a lot of layers to the flavor and it really is special and yummy! Frozen and ice cold is the best way to try durian for me, and so a durian smoothie is a perfect way to enjoy this treat.
Here’s a breakdown of durian taste:
Sweetness
- Durian has a natural sweetness that is often compared to that of a ripe banana with apple. The flesh can be very sweet, especially when the fruit is fully ripe. I prefer it to be just ripe, not over ripe.
Creaminess
- The texture of durian is soft and creamy, similar to a thick custard. This contributes to its rich mouthfeel. It has a very slight fiberousness, but overall, can be eaten with a spoon or just held and in every bite is a firm but creamy fruit.
Slight Bitterness
- Some varieties of durian have a slight bitterness or astringency, which balances out the sweetness and adds complexity to the flavor.
Musky and Pungent Aroma
- Durian’s aroma is incredibly strong and can be off-putting to some. The scent has been described as a mix of sulfur and even onions. Surprisingly, the flavor is the opposite, being sweet and having some muskiness, but very balanced.
Nuttiness
- Some people detect a slight nutty flavor, akin to almonds, especially in the aftertaste.
Overall Complexity
- The combination of sweet, savory, and creamy elements makes durian’s flavor very complex. Each bite can reveal different nuances, making it a fruit that many people either love or dislike strongly. Try it to discover and starting with a durian smoothie might be the best introduction.
Where to Buy Durian
You can buy the entire durian fruit at Chinese grocery stores and select Asian food stores or markets.
You can also buy prepared and frozen durian in the Asian store. This is one of the easier ways to get the durian fruit without having to buy an entire fruit.
Freeze the fruit if you have extra.
Ingredients
- 1 cup FROZEN Durian fruit – Chop into small sizes then freeze the durian.
- 1/2 cup ice
- 4 tbsp condensed milk
- 2 tbsp milk of choice
- Mint – garnish
- Chantilly whipped Cream – optional
Equipment
- Blender
- Glassware and Straws
Instructions
- Take the frozen durian, ice, condensed milk, milk of choice and blend until smooth. Pulse several times first, then finish blending.
- Pour into a tall glass. Then, slap the mint to release the mint essence and garnish on top. If you like a rich topping, add chantilly whipped cream. Enjoy immediately and with a straw or spoon.
Notes
I use frozen durian to get the most icy and chilled smoothie effect. This makes the smoothy creamy and rich in texture.
If you would like a vegan version, just use coconut condensed milk as a substitute and almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
Add Ins and Variations
There are lots of variations to durian smoothie that will turn out into some masterpiece creations.
- Try a layered durian smoothie with adding pandan extract to half of the smoothie for a tasty and colorful presentation.
- Blend in ube halaya for some vanilla and earthy sweetness.
- Add in honey, dates, and banana for a superfood post workout snack or kids treat.
- Make a durian smoothie bowl by topping the smoothie with granola, chia seeds, and various fruit toppings.
- Coconut custard will be a yummy surprise on top of the durian smoothie.
- Add tapioca pearls for one of the best tapioca drinks that will wow the durian lovers!
- Vanilla extract can add an extra layer of delicious flavor.
How to Serve Durian Smoothie
Serve this delicacy ice cold on a sunny day to cool off and relax.
Yummy Easy Durian Smoothie
Equipment
- Glassware and Straws
Ingredients
- 1 cup FROZEN Durian fruit Chop into small sizes then freeze the durian.
- 1/2 cup ice
- 4 tbsp condensed milk
- 2 tbsp milk of choice
- Mint garnish
- Chantilly whipped Cream optional
Instructions
- Take the frozen durian, ice, condensed milk, milk of choice and blend until smooth. Pulse several times first, then finish blending.1 cup FROZEN Durian fruit, 1/2 cup ice, 4 tbsp condensed milk, 2 tbsp milk of choice
- Pour into a tall glass. Then, slap the mint to release the mint essence and garnish on top. If you like a rich topping, add chantilly whipped cream. Enjoy immediately and with a straw or spoon.Mint, Chantilly whipped Cream
Notes
Notes
Always use frozen durian to get the most icy and chilled smoothie effect. For a vegan version, just use coconut condensed milk as a substitute and almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.Add Ins and Variations
There are lots of variations to durian smoothie to have fun with:-
- Try a layered durian smoothie with adding pandan extract to half of the smoothie.
-
- Blend in ube halaya.
-
- Add in honey, dates, and banana for a superfood snack or kids treat.
-
- Make a durian smoothie bowl by topping the smoothie with granola, seeds, and various fruit slices.
-
- Add tapioca pearls that will wow the durian lovers with texture.
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