EJADA

I hope you are still interested in fruits that can be introduced into your daily routine to improve your overall health and wellness. We’re only up to the letter E, so let’s explore what fruits the letter has to offer.

Eggfruit (Canistel) A tropical delight with a creamy, bright yellow flesh reminiscent of a hard-boiled egg yolk. It’s often used in desserts and smoothies due to its unique texture and sweetness.

Appearance: Eggfruit boasts a bright, vibrant yellow flesh that strikingly resembles a hard-boiled egg yolk. This creamy, custard-like texture makes it instantly recognizable.

Taste & Texture: With a natural sweetness that’s reminiscent of a rich custard or pumpkin, the eggfruit strikes a lovely balance—it’s sweet without being overpowering. Its smooth, velvety texture lends itself beautifully to a wide variety of recipes.

Culinary Uses: The fruit is most commonly used in desserts and smoothies. Its unique consistency makes it ideal for custards, ice creams, and even baked goods. Some adventurous cooks incorporate it into savory dishes or purees to add a natural, sweet-thickening element to sauces.

Nutritional Profile: Eggfruit is more than just a striking ingredient for the plate. It is also a good source of vitamins (particularly vitamin A), dietary fiber, and essential minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.

Quick Reference Table

Additional Insights

Its unconventional look and taste make it not just a treat for the palate but a conversation starter in any dish. Whether blended into a smoothie or turned into a decadent dessert, eggfruit offers a delightful twist that can elevate everyday recipes into something memorable.

1. Rich in Antioxidants: Eggfruit contains a host of antioxidants—including beta-carotene, vitamin C, and other compounds—that help neutralize free radicals. These antioxidants protect your cells from oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular issues while also contributing to a youthful appearance.
2. Supports Immune Health: High levels of vitamin C in eggfruit bolster the immune system. By supporting the production and function of white blood cells, the fruit aids your body’s natural defense mechanisms, helping you ward off infections and maintain overall wellness.
3. Promotes Digestive Well-Being: With a rich fiber content, eggfruit can help regulate your digestive system. The dietary fiber aids in smooth bowel movements, prevents constipation, and promotes a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is essential for proper digestion and long-term digestive health.
4. Enhances Vision and Skin Health: The abundance of beta-carotene in eggfruit is a precursor to vitamin A, crucial for maintaining good vision. Vitamin A also supports skin health by contributing to the formation of collagen and aiding in skin repair, keeping your skin vibrant and resilient.
5. Boosts Heart Health: Eggfruit is a good source of potassium, a mineral that plays a critical role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and proper heart function. The combined benefits of its vitamins and minerals help support cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and potentially lowering the risk of heart disease.
6. Provides Energy and Brain Benefits: The natural sugars in eggfruit offer a quick energy boost, while its array of B vitamins and vitamin E help maintain brain function and improve cognitive performance. These nutrients facilitate energy metabolism and support nerve functions, which are vital for sustaining alertness and overall brain health.

Together, these properties make eggfruit not only an appealing culinary ingredient—ideal in smoothies, desserts, or as a fresh snack—but also a valuable addition to a health-conscious diet. Its nutrient-dense composition supports various bodily functions, from digestion and vision to heart and brain health.

12 Incredible Health Benefits Of Egg Fruit: health-benefits-of-egg-fruit/

The egg fruit, also known as canistel or yellow sapote, is not just delicious; it’s also full of good stuff that can make you healthier. This bright fruit can do a lot for your body, like making your immune system stronger and helping your heart. Here, we’ll look at 12 great health benefits of egg fruit that science supports.

How do eggfruit antioxidants protect the body at the cellular level?

Antioxidants in eggfruit help protect your body at the cellular level by neutralizing free radicals—unstable molecules generated during normal metabolism or through environmental exposures like pollution and UV radiation. These free radicals can damage vital cell components such as DNA, proteins, and lipids within cell membranes, potentially leading to inflammation, premature aging, or chronic diseases.

At the heart of their protective role, eggfruit antioxidants (notably beta‑carotene) donate electrons to free radicals without themselves becoming reactive. This electron donation stabilizes the free radical, effectively halting a chain reaction of oxidative stress that could otherwise lead to cellular damage. Beta‑carotene, in particular, is efficiently incorporated into cell membranes, where it quenches reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as singlet oxygen, preserving both membrane integrity and overall cellular function.

Moreover, these antioxidants contribute to maintaining a healthy redox balance—a delicate equilibrium between oxidants and antioxidants. By modulating cell signaling pathways that govern inflammation and repair processes, eggfruit antioxidants not only prevent further oxidative damage but also support the recovery of cells that have sustained minor harm. This dual action is crucial in reducing risks associated with chronic oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Who should not eat

Eggfruit (canistel) is widely enjoyed for its rich, custard-like flavor and nutritional benefits. However, some groups of people should exercise caution or avoid it:

Individuals with Tropical Fruit Allergies or Food Sensitivities: While allergic reactions to eggfruit are rare, those with known allergies—especially to other tropical fruits—should introduce eggfruit in small amounts or avoid it altogether. This is because the proteins in the fruit may trigger allergic responses in susceptible individuals.

People with Sensitive Digestive Systems: Eggfruit’s high fiber and natural sugars can sometimes lead to digestive discomfort, particularly if your body isn’t used to it. If you have conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other gastrointestinal sensitivities, starting with a small serving is advisable.

Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women: Although eggfruit is nutritious, it’s a good idea for pregnant or breastfeeding women to consult with a healthcare provider before adding any exotic or less-common fruit to their diets, ensuring that it suits their personal nutritional needs and any medical considerations.

In essence, the antioxidants in eggfruit act as a first line of defense against cellular damage by neutralizing free radicals, stabilizing cellular structures, and maintaining redox homeostasis. This protective mechanism is a key factor in how incorporating eggfruit into your diet can contribute to overall cellular health and long-term well-being.

In summary, while eggfruit is generally safe and healthy, individuals who have known food allergies, particularly to tropical fruits, those with sensitive digestion, or those with special dietary considerations during pregnancy or breastfeeding should consult their doctor or nutrition expert before consuming it.

Durian—the infamous “king of fruits”! It’s a tropical powerhouse native to Southeast Asia, known for its spiky shell, custard-like flesh, and a smell so intense it’s banned on public transport in places like Singapore.

Durian is native to Southeast Asia, where indigenous peoples had been enjoying and cultivating it for millennia before its “discovery” by Western explorers. Early local communities gathered the fruit fresh from wild trees, valuing its rich, custard-like pulp not only as a source of energy and nutrition but also as an ingredient in traditional recipes and remedies.

The first documented account in Western literature dates back to the 15th century. Explorer Niccolò de’ Conti recorded encountering a large, green fruit with a spiky exterior that the locals called “durian.” Later, in 1563, the Portuguese physician Garcia de Orta described the fruit’s unique flavor and potent aroma in his writings, solidifying durian’s place in early botanical and culinary chronicles.

Ancient Origins and Early Use

Durian is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. For centuries, local communities not only savored the fruit fresh but also incorporated it into traditional remedies and culinary practices. Indigenous peoples recognized its nutritional value and unique flavor long before it attracted outside attention. Its long-standing role in local diets helped cement its status as both a nourishing food and a culturally significant delicacy.

Early Western Encounters and Documentation

The first recorded encounters with durian in Western literature trace back to travelers and explorers navigating Southeast Asia. Early accounts mention figures like Niccolò de’ Conti—a 15th-century traveler who described the fruit’s curious blend of creamy texture and pungent aroma.

Later, in the late 16th century, translations of works such as Juan Gonzales de Mendoza’s treatises further introduced durian to European readers. These early descriptions, although sometimes astonished by its intense odor (leading to comparisons with cheese or even less flattering aromas), laid the groundwork for durian’s enduring reputation as the “king of fruits”.

Evolving Use Through the Centuries

Over time, durian’s use has expanded far beyond simply being eaten fresh. In Southeast Asia, it became a culinary staple, appearing in both sweet and savory dishes—from traditional desserts and ice creams to curries and condiments. As global interest grew, modern food innovators began experimenting with value-added products, such as durian-flavored pastries, beverages, and even health supplements. These innovations not only cater to the fruit’s passionate local fans but also to a broader international market, which now appreciates its complex blend of sweet, savory, and intense aroma.

From a Local Delicacy to a Global Commodity

Modern agricultural advances and changing consumer tastes have played significant roles in transforming the durian’s market presence. Traditional cultivation methods have gradually given way to more refined techniques, ensuring consistency and quality that appeal to both domestic and export markets. The rise of premium cultivars—such as the famed Musang King—has boosted durian’s profile worldwide. Today, it stands as a symbol of culinary innovation, merging centuries-old traditions with modern scientific research into nutrition, flavor profiling, and sustainable farming practices.

Durian’s journey from a wild tropical fruit enjoyed by indigenous cultures to an international delicacy illustrates a vibrant evolution influenced by exploration, cultural exchange, and continuous innovation

Over time, durian transitioned from a wild, indigenous delicacy to a culturally significant fruit—often dubbed the “king of fruits,”—earning a reputation that both celebrates its rich taste and critiques its famously pungent smell.

Its use spans from straightforward fresh consumption to being an ingredient in a variety of local dishes and medicinal practices, reflecting the deep-seated value placed on durian in Southeast Asian cultures.

Lesser-known medicinal

1. Natural Sleep Aid

Durian contains tryptophan, an amino acid that the body converts into serotonin and melatonin—neurochemicals that help regulate mood and sleep cycles. In traditional Southeast Asian remedies, durian is sometimes consumed in the evening to promote restful sleep.

2. Mood and Mental Health Support

Thanks to its high vitamin B6 content, durian may help boost serotonin production, which can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Some holistic practitioners even refer to it as a “natural antidepressant”2.

3. Aphrodisiac Properties

Durian has long been considered a natural aphrodisiac in traditional medicine. Its combination of potassium and vitamin B6 is thought to improve blood circulation and hormonal balance, potentially enhancing libido and sexual wellness2.

4. Anti-Anemia Effects

Durian is rich in iron, folate, and copper, all of which are essential for red blood cell production. This makes it a helpful dietary addition for those managing or preventing anemia.

5. Antibacterial and Antifungal Potential

The outer husk and sap of the durian fruit contain compounds with antimicrobial properties. Some studies suggest these parts may help fight infections, though they’re not commonly used in Western herbalism

Nutritional Benefits

Caloric and Macronutrient Profile: A typical serving of durian (about one cup or roughly 243 grams) provides around 357 calories. This includes approximately 66 grams of carbohydrates, 13 grams of fat, and around 3.6 to 4 grams of protein. It’s also rich in dietary fiber (about 9 grams per serving), which contributes to a feeling of fullness and aids in digestive health.

Vitamins and Minerals: Durian is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It offers a significant dose of vitamin C, important for immune function and skin health, as well as a spectrum of B vitamins (such as vitamin B6 and thiamine) that support energy metabolism and brain function. Notably, it is very high in potassium (with one serving sometimes providing close to 1060 mg), which can help manage blood pressure and support cardiovascular health. Other minerals—such as phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese—contribute to its overall nutritious profile.

Antioxidants and Phytochemicals: Beyond standard nutrients, durian contains a variety of antioxidants (including polyphenols and flavonoids). These compounds help neutralize free radicals, potentially reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of chronic diseases. In traditional medicine, various parts of the durian plant have even been used to treat ailments, highlighting its longstanding cultural significance.

Potential Risks

Caloric Density and Fat Content: Due to its relatively high calorie and fat content compared to most fruits, overeating durian can contribute to weight gain if you’re not balancing it within your overall diet. This makes portion control particularly important for those monitoring their caloric intake.

Digestive Concerns: While fiber is beneficial for digestive health, consuming large amounts of durian may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating, gas, or even diarrhea. This is especially the case if you’re not drinking enough water; the fiber in durian can absorb extra water in your intestines and, in excess, disrupt normal digestion [¹¹].

Alcohol Interaction: One of the more unique risks involves durian’s interaction with alcohol. Durian contains sulfur-like compounds that can inhibit the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, which is crucial for metabolizing alcohol. Consuming durian alongside alcohol may cause elevated blood alcohol levels and lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or heart palpitations. This interaction is the reason why, in some places, durian is not served together with alcoholic beverages.

Allergic Reactions and Other Sensitivities: As with any food, some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to durian, potentially experiencing reactions such as skin rashes, hives, or respiratory difficulties. It’s wise to introduce it slowly into your diet if you’ve never tried it before or if you have a history of food allergies.

Read seniorfitness.org. This unique tropical fruit is not just known for its distinct aroma and flavor; it’s also a powerhouse of nutrients that can significantly enhance overall well-being. Packed with vitamins like C, B6, and essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium, durian supports immune function, improves digestion, and promotes heart health

In summary, durian’s rich nutritional profile—with its blend of fibers, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals—can offer real health benefits, particularly for energy metabolism, immune support, and cardiovascular health. However, mindful consumption is key, especially because of its high caloric density and potential interactions (such as with alcohol). Enjoying durian in moderation ensures that you can savor its unique taste and benefits while avoiding its possible downsides.

Incorporating durian into a balanced meal plan is all about mindful portion control and pairing it with complementary ingredients to create meals that are both exciting and nutritionally complete.

1. Breakfast Boosts

• Durian Smoothie Bowl: Blend a modest amount of durian flesh with a banana, a handful of spinach, and a cup of unsweetened almond (or your preferred) milk. Pour into a bowl and top with granola, chia seeds, or fresh berries. This mix not only adds antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins but also gives your morning a creamy and tropical twist.
• Durian Pancakes or Waffles: Incorporate a small amount of mashed durian into your pancake or waffle batter. Keep the serving moderate to avoid excessive calories, then top with a sprinkle of nuts and a drizzle of natural sweetener (like a dash of honey or maple syrup) for extra flavor and crunch.

2. Smart Snacks and Light Desserts

• Durian Parfait: Layer a small serving of durian with low‐fat Greek yogurt and a few slices of fresh fruit. Adding a sprinkle of nuts or a dusting of granola can balance the fruit’s natural sweetness with some healthy fats and protein.
• Durian Chia Pudding: Mix durian puree with chia seeds and a splash of coconut or almond milk, then let it set in the refrigerator overnight. Top with berries in the morning for an energizing, fiber-rich treat that offers a unique texture and flavor.
• Fruit Salad Accent: Use durian as one element in a vibrant fruit salad. Pair it with milder fruits like mango, pineapple, or papaya, and finish with a squeeze of lime juice and some mint leaves. This not only softens durian’s bold taste but also adds a refreshing tang to the mix.

3. Balancing Macronutrients

• Complement with Protein and Healthy Fats: Since durian is relatively calorie-dense and high in natural sugars and fats, serve it alongside lean proteins (like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or even a handful of almonds) and fiber-rich foods (like whole grains or leafy greens). These additions help balance out the natural sugars and keep your energy levels even throughout the day.
• Portion Control Matters: A moderate serving goes a long way. Incorporate durian as a side or accent rather than the main carbohydrate source. This way, you enjoy its nutritional benefits—such as high levels of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants—without overloading on calories.

4. Integrating Durian into Meal Prep

• Pre-Portioned Treats: Due to its strong aroma and limited shelf-life when fresh, consider preparing small, single-serving durian recipes (like parfaits or smoothie packs) that can be assembled quickly during the week. This method makes it easier to stick to portion sizes while still enjoying its rich flavor.
• Variety in Meal Plans: Rotate your durian dishes throughout the week so that it appears in a mix of sweet and savory contexts. For example, you might have a durian smoothie bowl on Monday, a durian-infused dessert on Wednesday, and a small durian salad element on Friday. This variety keeps your meal plans exciting and ensures you get other essential nutrients from a range of foods.

By thoughtfully integrating durian in these ways, you add a creative, tropical twist to your balanced meal plan while capitalizing on its nutritional benefits, such as fiber, healthy fats, and vital vitamins and minerals. The key is to treat durian as an exciting accent that enhances both flavor and nutrition while always pairing it with other nutrient-dense foods.

Durian is primarily imported from Southeast Asia, especially Thailand and Malaysia. While a few trees exist in places like South Florida and Hawaii, they rarely fruit, so nearly all durian in the U.S. is brought in frozen or processed.

Common Forms Available

Frozen Whole Fruit – Often the Monthong variety, sold in Asian supermarkets or online. It’s typically flash-frozen and shipped with the shell intact.

Frozen Pulp or Pods – Pre-separated flesh, sometimes vacuum-sealed for convenience. Great for smoothies or desserts.

Freeze-Dried Durian – Crunchy and shelf-stable, this is a popular snack form with a milder aroma.

Durian-Based Products – You’ll find durian in ice cream, pastries, candies, and even mooncakes.

Fresh (Rare) – Specialty grocers in cities like Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco occasionally carry fresh durian, especially during peak import seasons.

(Durian trees are growing in South Florida, but none of them have fruited so far.

Although monthong (a commercially grown variety) is available in most largest populated cities, eating a seedling durian is an experience that one would have had to travel all the way to Southeast Asia for until now.

Meet Kampong, also known as “natural village durian” because it is grown from seed and not grafted like other named varieties.)

Duku

Duku is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, often confused with its close cousin, langsat. It grows in grape-like clusters and has a round to oval shape with a leathery yellow-brown skin. Inside, you’ll find translucent white segments that are juicy, sweet-tart, and slightly citrusy—some say it tastes like a mix between grapefruit and grapes

Unlike langsat, it doesn’t release sticky latex when peeled, making it easier to enjoy. It’s also packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, which support immunity, digestion, and skin health.

You can eat it fresh, toss it into fruit salads, or even cook it into jams and desserts. Ever tried one, Brinder? It might be a fun addition to your exploration of unique fruits like pluots and dewberries.

(Lansium parasiticum, commonly known in English as Duku Fruit, langsat, or lanzones, is a species of tree in the Mahogany family with commercially cultivated edible fruits. The species is mainly grown in Southeast Asia, throughout the Malay Archipelago from Peninsular Thailand, Malaysia, and Malaysia. It is extensively cultivated in southern Peninsular Malaysia, READ MORE @ healthbenefitstimesIndonesia)

The Duku fruit plays a surprisingly rich role in Southeast Asian cultural traditions, especially in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Philippines: Camiguin Lanzones Festival

In Camiguin, the Lanzones Festival is a vibrant four-day celebration held every October to honor the harvest of duku (locally called lanzones). The island transforms with:

• Street dancing in fruit-themed costumes
• Agricultural fairs and fruit tastings
• Beauty pageants and parades. This festival isn’t just about the fruit—it’s a celebration of community pride, prosperity, and gratitude for a bountiful harvest.

Indonesia & Malaysia: Symbol of Goodwill

In parts of Indonesia and Malaysia, duku is often given as a gift of goodwill—a gesture of hospitality and friendship. It’s common to offer it to guests during visits or festive gatherings, symbolizing abundance and welcome.

Folklore & Symbolism

Duku also appears in local myths and legends, often representing fertility, prosperity, or transformation. In some tales, the fruit is believed to have mystical origins or protective properties.

It’s fascinating how this humble fruit weaves through both everyday life and ceremonial traditions.

Cultural: In the Philippines, the Camiguin Lanzones Festival

Held every October, the Camiguin Lanzones Festival is a vibrant four-day celebration marking the harvest of lanzones. It’s a blend of gratitude, folklore, and community pride, featuring:

Street dancing in elaborate fruit-inspired costumes

Parades and pageants showcase local beauty and creativity.

Fruit tastings, agricultural fairs, and culinary competitions.

Cultural performances that honor the island’s heritage.

Beyond festivals, duku has been used in ritual healing practices. The bark, seeds, and peels were traditionally used to treat ailments like fever and diarrhea, and burning the dried peel was believed to ward off evil spirits or insects. Dried peels were burned as mosquito repellent, and the resin was applied to scorpion stings.

This festival not only boosts tourism but also reinforces the fruit’s role in local identity and economy.

Woodcraft: The tree’s wood was used for house posts, tool handles, and small utensils. Its wood has traditionally been used in Southeast Asia for small-scale woodcraft and practical construction. Though not a major timber source, the tree’s wood is valued for being dense, durable, and fine-grained, making it suitable for:

House posts and rafters: In rural architecture areas of Java and Malaysia, duku trees that no longer bear fruit are repurposed for structural elements in homes. The wood’s toughness and elasticity help it withstand tropical humidity and shifting foundations. The wood is also resilient to pests and has a density of around 840 kg/m³, giving it enough heft for load-bearing uses without being too heavy to work with.

Tool handles, Duku wood has long been valued in Southeast Asia for crafting tool handles, especially in rural and agricultural communities. Durability: Duku wood is dense and moderately hard, making it resistant to splitting or cracking under pressure, ideal for tools that take a beating. Workability: It’s fine-grained and smooth, which allows for comfortable shaping and sanding. This makes it a favorite for hand tools like chisels, hoes, and kitchen implements. Grip Comfort: When polished, duku wood offers a natural, non-slip grip. It absorbs sweat and shock well, which is especially useful for machetes, pestles, or farming tools.

In fact, the tradition of using duku wood for handles is part of a broader ethos of zero-waste agriculture, where even non-fruiting or aging trees are repurposed into practical items.

Because duku trees are primarily cultivated for their fruit, the wood is typically harvested from older or non-fruiting trees. In some regions, it’s also used in folk carpentry, where local artisans craft everyday items from available hardwoods.

Today, Duku is still beloved for its flavor and versatility:

Culinary: Eaten fresh, added to fruit salads, blended into juices, or made into jams and syrups. It even appears in savory dishes in some cultures.

The most common way to enjoy duku is simply peeling and eating it fresh. Its juicy, translucent segments are refreshing on their own or paired with other tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, or lychee.

Fruit Salads & Bowls: Duku adds a citrusy brightness to fruit salads. It pairs well with mint, basil, or even a drizzle of lime-honey dressing for a vibrant twist.

Juices & Smoothies: Blended into juices or smoothies, duku offers a tangy-sweet base. It’s often combined with banana, coconut water, or yogurt for a creamy tropical drink.

Jams, Jellies & Syrups: The fruit’s natural pectin content makes it ideal for preserves. Duku jam or syrup can be used on toast, in pastries, or as a glaze for grilled meats.

Savory Dishes: In some Filipino and Indonesian recipes, duku is used as a souring agent, similar to tamarind or calamansi. It adds a subtle acidity to dishes like sinigang or stews.

Desserts: Duku segments can be candied, caramelized, or folded into tarts, ice cream, and puddings. Some chefs even use it as a topping for panna cotta or pavlova.

Health & Wellness: Valued for its high vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, it supports immunity, digestion, and skin health.

Eco & Agrotourism: Duku farms and festivals now attract tourists, blending agriculture with cultural heritage.

It’s fascinating how this humble fruit has evolved from folk remedy to superfruit status. Duku fruit is a powerhouse of nutrients wrapped in a sweet-tart package. Here’s a breakdown of its health benefits, both traditional and modern:

1. Immune System Support

Rich in vitamin C—about 46 mg per 100 g—duku helps strengthen your immune defenses and fight off infections.

2. Digestive Health

Its high dietary fiber content promotes smooth digestion, prevents constipation, and supports gut health.

3. Bone & Dental Strength

Duku contains calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A, which contribute to stronger bones and teeth, especially important as we age.

4. Antioxidant Protection

Loaded with polyphenols and flavonoids, duku helps neutralize free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and premature aging.

5. Weight Management

Low in calories (about 34 kcal per 100 g) and high in water content, it’s a great snack for hydration and satiety without the guilt.

6. Skin Health

Vitamin C and antioxidants promote collagen production and protect skin from environmental damage, keeping it radiant and youthful.

7. Traditional Medicinal Uses

Historically, duku has been used to:

• Treat fever, diarrhea, and dysentery
• Repel mosquitoes by burning dried peel
• Relieve scorpion stings with its resin

8. Anti-Malarial Potential

Compounds in the peel have shown promise in disrupting the life cycle of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria.

If you are curious, duku fruit is available in the United States, but it’s a bit of a hidden gem. You’re most likely to find it in:

• Specialty Asian or Filipino grocery stores, especially in areas with large Southeast Asian communities (like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, or Chicago).
• Hawaiian markets, where duku has been cultivated since the 1930s.
• Online tropical fruit retailers sometimes offer fresh or frozen duku during its peak season (fall through early winter).
• Nurseries that sell grafted duku trees for home growers in warmer climates like Florida, southern California, or Hawaii.

It’s still considered a niche fruit in the U.S., so availability can be seasonal and limited. If you’d like, I can help you track down a few online sources or nurseries that ship nationwide. Want to give that a go?

MORE: specialtyproduce.com  The thick rind is hard, leathery, and tan to pale yellow, developing brown spots and blemishes as the fruit matures. The rind is also covered in fine hairs, giving the fruit a fuzzy appearance. Underneath the surface, there is a white, spongy, and very bitter layer that is easily separated and peeled, and the flesh is thick, translucent-white, and is typically divided into 1-5 segments. 

Duku fruit is generally safe and nutritious for most people, but there are a few groups who should approach it with caution:

1. People with Latex or Tropical Fruit Allergies

Some individuals may be allergic to duku or its latex-like sap. Symptoms can include itching, swelling, or even respiratory issues. If you’ve reacted to fruits like rambutan, longan, or mangosteen, it’s wise to test duku in small amounts first.

2. Individuals with Diabetes

Duku has natural sugars and a moderate glycemic index. While it can be part of a diabetic diet in moderation, large portions may spike blood sugar levels. Diabetics should monitor their intake and ideally pair it with protein or fiber-rich foods to slow absorption.

3. People with Digestive Sensitivities

The seeds are bitter and mildly toxic if chewed, and the peel contains tannins that can be astringent. Swallowing seeds or consuming unripe fruit may cause stomach discomfort.

4. Those on Low-FODMAP or Specialized Diets

Because duku contains fermentable sugars and fiber, it might trigger bloating or gas in people with IBS or those following a low-FODMAP plan.