Love it or hate it, the spiky and pungent durian certainly leaves an impression. It has a spiky and hard exterior that has to be cut and pried open by a sharp knife, revealing pale yellow edible flesh surrounding its seeds. The flesh is soft and creamy, and emits an extremely strong odor.

Nicknamed the “king of fruits,” durians are native to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia. They grow well in moist, tropical climates. Durian trees are pollinated by bats and after three to four months, the fruit (weighing several pounds) will naturally fall from the tree. When it is ripe and ready for consumption, it lets off a distinctive and unforgettable aroma.  Durians are a pricey fruit because of its extremely short shelf life and limited season.

Durians are rich in vitamin C, vitamin B complex, potassium, and dietary fiber. They are nutritious but should be eaten in moderation due to its high calorie content. A whole durian can have 885 to 1,500 calories depending on its size, and one seed alone has 54 calories.