Produce Briefs...
Wasabi
Wasabi is a perennial and a member of the Cruciferae family. It is grown mainly for its underground rhizome (tuber) which produces branch-less, edible leaves above ground. A mature wasabi root is firm, cylindrical, brown and green-skinned and tapered.
Green Shishito Chile Peppers
Japanese peppers are mildly spicy and most often prepared cooked. Saute peppers in olive oil, over high heat, until they just begin to blister- serve hot, sprinkled with sea salt.
Seasons/Availability
Durian is a seasonal fruit that can bear two crops yearly. Harvests are in spring and summer, depending on region.
Current Facts
There are more than 100 cultivars of Durian, yet one variety dominates the international marketplace: Durio ziebethinus or Mon Thong, also called golden pillow. Durian are called "Mountain Cat" in Mandarin and as Mao Shan Wang in Cantonese. When ripe, the fruit will have a slight give and be golden in color with soft, creamy yellow flesh. Separate the seeds from the flesh before eating, and cut from the opposite end of the stem. Recently, research has pinpointed 41 highly odor-active compounds associated with the Durian's prominant odor. Interestingly, 24 of the odor-producing compounds discovered were new to science.
Description/Taste
Durian fruit, meaning "thorny fruit" has hard outer shell that is laced with a number of thick, dense thorns. Containing four to six pods, the flesh has a very distinguishable, malodorous, full-bodied aroma. Once ripe, the skin can be easily cracked open to reveal its yellow flesh nestled into the pods that bear large nut-sized seeds. The flesh has a meaty, custard-like texture with a flavor that is similar to its aroma: a combination of savory, sweet and pungent, often compared to rotting fruit, with notes of banana, caramelized onion and aged blue cheese.
Nutritional Value
Durian is rich in sugar, carbohydrates, fatty acids and protein; it is high in nutrients, particularly sulfer.
Applications
Durian fruit is well-suited to preparations where the flesh is pureed or blended. The large, fleshy seeds may be roasted or boiled and eaten as nuts. Use the flesh in batters for cakes and baked goods, custards, purees and ice creams. Pair with other tropical fruit such as Mangosteen and mango, or alongside sticky rice or coconut cream. Wear protective gloves when preparing. Cut between the pods Use within one week for optimum quality and flavor.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Durian fruit is a template fruit of tropical Asia. Outside of Asian communities, Durian is a relatively unknown fruit in America. Exposure to the food community via media exploitation has attributed to its cult status.
Geography/History
The Durian tree is native to Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia and may have originated in Gua Musang in the Kelantan state of Malaysia. It prefers highly tropical climates near sea level and has thus been naturalized in other Southeast Asia and Far East countries, including Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore and the Polynesian Islands. Though durian can be found in many local markets in the countries in which it is harvested, the fruit is shipped internationally only from Thailand and Indonesia, where it is grown for commercial production.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Durian. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Durian using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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parkson Near Shanghai, Shanghai, China About 34 days ago, 5/16/13 Spotter's comments : Fresh Durian is available . Fresh Mart Near Shanghai, Shanghai, China About 40 days ago, 5/10/13 Spotter's comments : Fresh Durian from Thailand Fresh Mart Near Shanghai, Shanghai, China About 48 days ago, 5/02/13 Spotter's comments : Durian from Thailand .Yummy! Parkson Supermarket Near Shanghai, Shanghai, China About 62 days ago, 4/18/13 Spotter's comments : Fresh Durian from Thailand . xingan Road Near Shanghai, Shanghai, China About 64 days ago, 4/17/13 Spotter's comments : FreshDurian available! Chulia St. Night Hawker Stalls Near George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia About 165 days ago, 1/05/13 Spotter's comments : I've had durian fruit now six ways from Sunday... And it's actually quite delicious down here in Malasia! |
