Durian is known as the “king of fruits” in Southeast Asia, but it is also one of the most controversial fruits in the world. While some love it for its sweet, creamy taste, others hate it for its pungent smell, which has been described as a mixture of onions, garlic, and rotten cheese. It grows in Southeast Asian countries, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. It is characterized by its hard, thorny shell, which protects its soft, creamy flesh. Its size ranges from 1 to 3 kilograms, and there are several varieties that differ in flavor and texture. Durian contains volatile sulfur compounds that cause its pungent smell, which is why it is banned in some hotels and public transportation in countries such as Singapore.<br /><br />General information about durian:<br /><br />1. Shell and external appearance: Durian fruit has a hard outer shell covered with sharp spines, making it difficult to open without the right tools.<br />2. Smell: Durian’s smell is one of the most distinctive and strange smells. Some people describe it as a mixture of rotten onions, blue cheese, and gasoline. For this reason, some hotels and public transportation ban the import of durian.<br />3. Taste and texture: Despite its strange smell, durian tastes delicious and sweet to many people. The flesh of durian has a creamy texture and a rich flavor that resembles a mixture of custard and almonds.<br />4. Nutritional value: Durian contains a variety of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and vitamin B6, in addition to dietary fiber and potassium. It is also considered a good source of energy due to its high content of carbohydrates and healthy fats.<br /><br />Uses of durian:<br /><br />1. Foods and desserts: Durian meat can be eaten fresh or used in the preparation of a variety of desserts and foods such as cakes, ice cream, and chocolate.<br />2. Beverages: Durian is also used in the preparation of juices and refreshing drinks.<br />3. Traditional medicine: In some cultures, durian is used in traditional medicine to treat a range of diseases and to promote general health.<br /><br />Durian is a fruit that is not for the faint of heart, but it certainly offers a unique and distinctive experience for anyone who dares to try it. If you are an adventurous fruit lover, durian can be an exciting addition<br />Health Benefits of Durian<br /><br />Nutritional Benefits<br /><br />1-Rich in vitamins: Contains vitamins C, B6 and folic acid.<br /><br />2-Source of energy: High in carbohydrates and healthy fats.<br /><br />3-Improves digestion: Contains fiber that supports gut health.<br /><br />4-Antioxidant: Helps fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq