Freeze-dried durian: composition, taste and ways to eat it for the back-to-school season
At the start of the school year, we look for convenient snacks. Why not try a tropical fruit nicknamed the king of fruits ?Freeze-dried durian comes in a convenient format with a softened smell, ready to be added to yogurt, a smoothie, or a morning snack. Let me take you on a journey to discover this Thai fruit.
What is freeze-dried durian ?
The freeze-dried durian is the result of Durio zibethinus, peeled, cut, and then cold-dried under vacuum. The result: a crispy and melting piece.
The durian, king of Southeast Asian fruits
The durian primarily grows in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Its short season (May to August) and very short shelf life when fresh (4 days) make its transport to Europe almost impossible. The variety Monthong, grown in Thailand, is known for its generous, creamy flesh with a mild custard-vanilla flavor.
Freeze-drying: a cold-drying process
Unlike classic dehydration, the Freeze-drying is done cold, under vacuum, by sublimation: the ice goes directly to the gaseous state without intermediate melting. This process removes 95 to 98% of the water.
No additives, no added sugar, no cooking: you get a raw concentrated fruit, perfectly stable at room temperature for 24 months.
Fresh durian vs freeze-dried durian: what are the differences ?
The major difference is the concentration : 100 g of freeze-dried durian is equivalent to about 500 g of fresh durian. Practically speaking, freeze-dried durian can be stored for 2 years compared to 4 days for the whole fruit. Finally, the process significantly reduces the characteristic odor of fresh durian, a sulfurous smell that is well-known but bothersome to newcomers.
What freeze-dried durian contains
Here are the main nutrients of durian, with their contents per 100 g of fresh fruit.
Tryptophan
The durian contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid. A study published in MDPI Foods (Chin et al., 2019) confirms the notable presence of tryptophan in durian flesh, at approximately 40 mg per 100 g of fresh fruit. (Source MDPI).
Gamma-glutamylcysteine, precursor of glutathione
The durian contains a rare molecule in the plant kingdom: the Gamma-glutamylcysteine, is a precursor of glutathione.
Potassium and magnesium
According to the table Ciqual of ANSES (ANSES 2023), fresh durian provides:
436 mg of potassium for 100 g (12% of the recommended daily intake)
30 mg of magnesium for 100 g
In freeze-dried form, these values are multiplied by approximately 5.
B vitamins: folates, B6, B1
Fresh durian contains 175 µg of folates (vitamin B9) per 100 g, which is 87% of the NRV. It also provides 0.3 mg of vitamin B6 per 100 g (21% of the NRV), which contributes to regulating hormonal activity and to normal psychological functions.
Nutritional values of freeze-dried durian
Here are the main nutritional guidelines, established from the data Ciqual ANSES and USDA FoodData Central for fresh durian, multiplied by the average concentration factor of freeze-drying.
Fresh durian (per 100 g):
Energy: 147 kcal
Carbohydrates: 27 g (including natural sugars: 20 g)
Blend the freeze-dried durian and dates in a food processor until you obtain a paste. Incorporate the cocoa, hemp seeds, coconut oil, and salt. Form 10 balls, roll them in a bit of raw cocoa, and chill for 30 minutes before serving. Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Freeze-dried durian: precautions and contraindications
Energy density
Freeze-dried durian is naturally concentrated: about 400 kcal / 100 g. A portion of 20 to 30 g represents 80 to 120 kcal. It should be included in the overall caloric intake, especially when monitoring weight.
Glycemic index and diabetes
The natural sugars in durian are concentrated through freeze-drying. People with diabetes or prediabetes should be careful to consume a moderate amount (maximum 15 g), preferably as part of a complete meal to limit the glycemic spike.
Alcohol and durian: beware of the combination
A popular guideline in Southeast Asia advises against consuming durian with alcohol. This belief has found a scientific basis: the study by Maninang et al. (2009), published in Food Chemistry, demonstrates that certain sulfur compounds in durian inhibit the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, responsible for alcohol metabolism. Result: increased nausea, hot flashes, and headaches. It's better to space the two apart.
Allergies and first consumption
Allergies to durian are rare but possible (family of MalvaceaeDuring an initial tasting, test a small amount (5 g) and observe over the next 24 hours. Pregnant or breastfeeding women can consume durian in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
No added sugar, without additives, without preservatives
Certified gluten-free
Packaged in a 200 g pouch (equivalent to 1 kg of fresh fruit)
Shelf life of 24 months at room temperature
To vary the pleasures, also discover our Crunchy Cacao-Durian 200 g, a gourmet combination that marries the creamy sweetness of durian with the depth of raw cacao.
Video: Discover Our Monthong Durian from Thailand
To better understand where our freeze-dried durian comes from and what makes it unique, I invite you to watch this short tasting video filmed at our premises.
They have adopted Biovie freeze-dried durian.
"I regularly order from Biovie, the products are excellent and the freeze-dried fruits are ultra fresh in the mouth. The durian is an incredible discovery."
- Marjorie T., Trustpilot review 5/5
"Fast delivery, careful packaging, the taste of Biovie's freeze-dried durian is true to the fresh fruit I tasted in Thailand. An excellent product."
- Jean-Claude M., Trustpilot review 5/5
FAQ: Your questions about freeze-dried durian
How much freeze-dried durian should be consumed per day ?
The recommended portion is 15 to 30 g per day, which is equivalent to one to two handfuls. This amount limits the calorie intake.
Does freeze-dried durian have the same smell as fresh durian ?
No. Freeze-drying significantly reduces the sulfur compounds responsible for the strong smell of the fresh fruit. Freeze-dried durian emits a sweet, creamy fragrance, similar to vanilla custard. It is, in fact, an excellent introduction to discovering this fruit without encountering its characteristic odor.
Does freeze-dried durian provide folates ?
Fresh durian provides 175 µg of folates per 100 g (87% of the NRV); folates contribute to normal psychological function and to the reduction of fatigue.
Can a diabetic person eat freeze-dried durian ?
Yes, in moderation. The natural sugars in durian are concentrated through freeze-drying. We recommend that people with diabetes limit themselves to a maximum of 15 g per serving, integrated into a complete meal (with fibers, proteins, fats) to limit the glycemic impact. Consult your healthcare professional if in doubt.
How long does freeze-dried durian last ?
Biovie freeze-dried durian can be stored for 24 months at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Once the packet is opened, reseal it carefully or transfer its contents to an airtight glass jar. It will remain crispy for several weeks.
Can freeze-dried durian be given to children ?
Yes, from the age of 3, in moderate quantities (5 to 10 g) and always under supervision, as the pieces can pose a choking hazard for younger children. The natural sugar content is high: incorporate it into a plant-based yogurt or a balanced snack rather than as an isolated nibble.
Can you consume freeze-dried durian during pregnancy ?
Yes, in reasonable quantities. Folates (vitamin B9) contribute to the growth of maternal tissue during pregnancy; fresh durian provides 175 µg per 100 g (87% of the NRV). However, avoid combining it with alcohol and adhere to a moderate daily portion (15 to 20 g). In case of gestational diabetes, seek advice from your healthcare professional.
Why shouldn't durian and alcohol be mixed ?
The study by Maninang et al. (2009), published in Food Chemistry, demonstrates that certain sulfur compounds in durian inhibit aldehyde dehydrogenase, a key enzyme in alcohol metabolism. This inhibition can lead to hot flashes, nausea, and headaches. It is recommended to space out the consumption of durian and alcoholic beverages by several hours.
Enjoy the flavor and nutrients of exotic fruits, harvested at maturity in Vietnam and preserved while respecting the nutritional qualities of the fruit., 11
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"My name is Eric. A ISTOM by training and a vegan for 33 years, I founded Biovie in 2007 with my wife Aurélie to make a lively, joyful, and rigorously sourced diet accessible in France. I discovered durian in Thailand, and it is one of the fruits that has fascinated me the most: both the king of the tropics and a surprising ingredient of a demanding Western kitchen."
Update: Seaweed in Everyday Life, written with Aurélie, received the Gourmand World Cookbook Award and the National Academy of Cuisine Prize, a historic double for a 100% vegan book in French gastronomy. Discover our team.
This article is intended for informational purposes and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, chronic illness, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, seek advice from your doctor, pharmacist, or dietitian.
