Durian Smell Mystery
Liam Reilly
| 04-06-2025
· Food Team
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve either fallen in love with durian or absolutely want to avoid it. We all know durian has a smell that can be unforgettable — some people find it heavenly, others find it unbearable.
But have you ever stopped to wonder: why does durian smell so strong? Let’s dive in together and explore what makes this so-called “King of Fruits” so unique.
What Makes Durian’s Smell So Powerful?
Durian’s scent is caused by more than 120 different chemical compounds. These are found in a variety of other foods too, like fruits, onions, cheese, garlic, honey, and even skunks! But it’s the mix of these compounds in durian that creates its famously intense aroma.
The fruit’s flesh contains sulfur-based compounds like diallyl disulfide and diallyl trisulfide. These sulfur chemicals have sharp, pungent smells that hit your nose immediately. Meanwhile, the outer shell and rind of durian release fruity ester compounds that add complexity to its scent — a mix of tropical fruits in the background.
Besides, organic compounds such as palmitic acid and ethyl oleate give durian a penetrating smell that can be noticed from several meters away. So, what you’re actually smelling is a complex orchestra of chemicals working together.
Why Do Some People Love It While Others Hate It?
One key reason lies in our noses — or more specifically, in our genes. Our sense of smell depends on special receptors in our noses, and about 30% of these receptors vary between people. That means when one person smells durian, their brain may interpret the scent as sweet and pleasant, while another person might find it unbearably strong or even disgusting.
This genetic difference explains why durian can be a love-it-or-hate-it fruit for so many. It’s the same reason why some people adore the taste of cilantro while others describe it as soapy.
Does Durian Have Any Health Benefits?
Though its smell can be overwhelming, durian offers some surprising health perks. Research shows that its sharp aroma may actually stimulate the immune system and promote blood circulation. This is believed to help with issues like menstrual pain and blood flow problems for some women.
Eating durian is also thought to help new mothers recover after childbirth by encouraging the removal of leftover blood. However, durian isn’t suitable for everyone. People with kidney problems, diabetes, or those who tend to have a “hot” body condition should eat it cautiously or avoid it.
The Genetic Secret Behind Durian’s Smell
Scientists at Duke University and the National University of Singapore recently unlocked the full genetic code of durian. They focused on the most famous variety known as “Musang King,” prized for its flavor and high price tag.
Durian’s genome contains over 46,000 genes—almost double the number humans have! Among these, researchers identified a key gene involved in producing the sulfur compounds that cause the strong odor. This gene, called Methionine Gamma-Lyase (MGL), controls the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that give durian its signature smell.
Interestingly, the activity of this gene in ripe fruit is about 2,000 times higher than in the leaves or roots, which explains why the smell intensifies as durian ripens.
Why Does Durian Produce Such a Strong Smell in Nature?
In the wild, durian’s intense aroma serves an important purpose. Researchers believe the smell evolved to attract animals, especially elephants, which are durian’s main seed dispersers. Elephants can break open the tough shell and spread the seeds over long distances by walking several kilometers a day.
In dense rainforests, only a strong smell like durian’s could travel far enough to find these helpers. This ancient relationship has ensured durian’s survival and spread for millions of years.
Durian’s Evolution and Future Potential
Durian and cacao (the plant behind chocolate) share a common ancestor from around 65 million years ago. Over time, cacao became bitter, while durian developed its pungent, sweet smell.
With the durian genome now fully mapped, scientists can use this knowledge to improve durian farming. They hope to breed durians that resist diseases and drought better or even tweak their taste to suit different preferences.
This breakthrough could also help fight fake durian products flooding the market by developing genetic tests to identify true varieties, protecting both farmers and buyers.
What Do You Think?
So, the next time that unmistakable smell of durian fills the air, just think — it’s not simply about a strong odor, but a wild mix of chemistry, evolution, and centuries of human curiosity. This fruit truly carries more stories than we might expect.
Have you ever given durian a try? Some of us can’t get enough of it, while others might still need a bit of courage to take that first bite. No matter your experience, we’d love to hear what you think.
Thanks for exploring this unique fruit with us — let’s keep discovering the hidden wonders of our world together, one surprising fact at a time!
The Smell of Durian Explained (ft. BrainCraft, Joe Hanson, Physics Girl & PBS Space Time)
Video by Reactions