How long will durian smell linger?
My housemate just brought home a durian. I remember smelling one of these from four floors up in a dormitory years ago and it was overpowering but I don't remember if it faded away quickly or not.
Should I veto him cutting this open in the house? Will the smell go away?
Best Answer
Of course the smell will go away, given enough time. The question is exactly how long you can tolerate it, which only you can judge. Durian actually has a remarkably fascinating smell, featuring a huge range of aromatic compounds including some that haven't been identified in any other produce. (This link is unfortunately behind a paywall, and I haven't read the whole thing, but even the abstract gives an interesting glimpse.)
If you're concerned, take precautions. Open it outside, or in a room with plenty of ventilation. Put down paper or plastic sheeting to catch any juices or mess that might leave a lingering smell (as this helpful article suggests).
A couple of sources (such as this blog post, and somewhat more lucidly, this About.com article) suggest that by running hot water over the expended shell, you can create a mild solution which helps neutralize the smell. I can't vouch for the accuracy of this method but it's suggested in multiple places, so it seems unlikely to be a cruel prank.
There are actually other, more pressing concerns with durian. For instance, one study suggests that durian fruit breaks down some of the enzymes that your liver uses to neutralize the toxic byproducts of alcohol. It's apparently a bit of southeast Asian folk wisdom that drinking and durians do not mix, and more than one death has been blamed on the combination. So, don't worry about the smell. Worry about mixing tequila shots with durian instead.
Pictures about "How long will durian smell linger?"
Quick Answer about "How long will durian smell linger?"
Durians that have been opened will last up to 5 days if you keep them in the fridge.How do I get rid of durian smell?
Fill a bowl with baking soda and set in the refrigerator. If desired, fill two bows with baking soda and put one bowl on the top shelf and the other on the bottom shelf. Replace the baking soda every few days until the durian smell disappears.Why does durian smell linger?
Use Durian Husk & Seed According to researchers, durians have such a strong smell because of sulphur compounds contained in the fruit, which is also the reason why durians have such a pungent scent. The researchers also found a compound called 5-Hydroxy-methyl-furfural (5-HMF) in durian shells and durian seeds.How do you absorb durian smell in fridge?
In Fridge & FreezerStoring them in an airtight container (not flimsy takeaway containers!) will help to minimse the durian smell from lingering in your fridge. You can also leave a dish of baking soda or ground coffee on the shelf of your fridge, which is famous for effectively absorbing smells.The Smell of Durian Explained (ft. BrainCraft, Joe Hanson, Physics Girl \u0026 PBS Space Time)
More answers regarding how long will durian smell linger?
Answer 2
I lived above a durian shop for a year. At first I found the smell nauseating and reminiscent of a rotting pigeon carcass. But the brain adjusts and soon you don't smell it as strongly. Only the occasional strong whiff. After a time it only smelled like rotten onions which was slightly more pleasant. Eventually, I began to smell the fruity, vanilla, meaty scent which is what most people familiar with the fruit can distinguish from the other malodors. At this point, I finally summoned the guts to try some. It's a remarkable taste. Unparalleled. But if you're not prepared to wait that long, keep it in a sealed container. Or hang it out the window.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: SHVETS production, Skylar Kang, Skylar Kang, HONG SON