Durian, Delicious and Healthy Fruit to Boost Spirit at the Beginning of the Year

The new year of 2024 has just begun a few weeks ago. Various resolutions for a better life have been added to the list and are ready to be implemented this year. Living a healthier life is certainly one of the items on the list that young farmers have included in their resolutions for this year. In addition to adopting a healthy lifestyle by exercising and consuming fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, let's not forget about it. Come on, young farmers, let's start the new year with a new spirit.

Durian, a Delicious and Nutritious Fruit that Contains Essential Nutrients to Boost Spirits

Durian is one of the fruits that is currently in season at the beginning of this year and is easy to find. Known as the king of fruits due to its strong taste and aroma, durian is also a favorite among many people. The fruit has a soft, sweet, delicious, and rich texture. Durian is rich in nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, carbohydrates, protein, fats, potassium, magnesium, manganese, folate, potassium, iron, dietary fiber, and beta-carotene. Due to its rich nutritional content, durian offers numerous health benefits.

Consuming durian can be beneficial in maintaining blood sugar levels, preventing heart disease, enhancing fertility, speeding up wound healing, and treating conditions like jaundice, skin diseases, and high fever. Moreover, durian contains the chemical compound tryptophan, which can improve mood and induce drowsiness. Therefore, consuming durian can boost the spirits of young farmers at the beginning of the year to achieve their resolutions.

Delicious Durian Creations to Boost Spirits

Durian is not only delicious when eaten fresh but can also be enjoyed in various culinary creations and beverages that are equally delightful. Here are some durian-based dishes thatthat many people like.

• Durian Pancakes

Durian pancakes have become a favorite for those who want to enjoy durian without being bothered by its large size. Durian pancakes are cakes filled with durian custard wrapped in crepe skin, first popularized by the residents of Medan, North Sumatra, and have become a sought-after souvenir. Nowadays, durian pancakes are available in various regions in Indonesia with variations in color and flavor.

• Durian Sticky Rice

Durian sticky rice is a treat that durian enthusiasts shouldn't miss. It consists of white sticky rice drizzled with durian coconut milk, durian custard, and durian flesh pieces. Durian sticky rice is a typical durian dish originating from Sumatra and is served during major celebrations with a sweet, savory, and rich flavor.

• Durian Pie

Durian flesh can also be crafted as a filling for crispy pie crusts. Durian pie is now a modern durian creation that can be found in some cake and pastry shops.

• Durian Martabak

Durian martabak is a highly popular creation. The enjoyment of martabak itself is undeniable, especially when combined with durian custard, cheese toppings, and sweet condensed milk that perfects the taste.

• Durian Surabi

Made from steamed rice flour batter in round molds, topped with durian sauce, durian surabi is a specialty from West Java known for its sweet and soft taste. Durian surabi can be enjoyed with various toppings such as cheese, chocolate, or nuts.

• Durian Klapertart

Durian klapertart is a specialty from Manado, North Sulawesi, influenced by Dutch culture. Klapertart has a creamy and fragrant taste that complements the use of durian as a flavor.

• Durian Cream Puff

Cream puffs are made from a mixture of flour, eggs, butter, and water, fried in hot oil. While young farmers typically encounter or make cream puffs filled with chocolate or vanilla, it's worth trying them with durian custard. Durian cream puff, filled with delicious durian custard, is an easy-to-make treat with a crispy texture on the outside and a creamy inside.

• Durian Strudel

Made from thin pastry dough layered with butter and sugar, then filled with durian flesh, durian strudel is often found in some bakeries or cafes as one of the exotic durian creations.

Tips for Consuming Durian Safely

Despite having good nutritional content and minerals for health, consuming durian excessively can also have side effects. Excessive consumption of durian can trigger digestive disorders, bloating, diarrhea, allergic symptoms, and even obesity. For individuals with diabetes, consuming durian excessively can cause a drastic spike in blood sugar levels and pose a high risk. Here are some tips that young farmers can follow to enjoy durian safely.

Firstly, it is important to limit the amount of durian consumed. The safe limit for durian is around 35 grams per meal, equivalent to two durian seeds. Additionally, choose durians that are not too ripe, as the riper the durian, the higher the content of starch and sugar.

When enjoying durian, young farmers should carefully choose accompanying foods. Avoid pairing durian with sweet foods, energy drinks, starchy foods, coconut milk-based foods, fried foods, and sautéed dishes. The combination of durian and these foods can provide excessive calories and potentially increase blood sugar levels, leading to obesity and high cholesterol.

While consuming durian, young farmers should not consume alcoholic beverages simultaneously, as it can trigger aldehyde, causing redness on the face, numbness in parts of the body, dizziness, and even vomiting.

When consuming durian, young farmers should drink plenty of water to help alleviate the heat sensation caused by durian itself. It's also essential to consider one's medical conditions before consuming durian, such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney issues, high blood pressure, and others. (Nisa)