Durian season is a highly anticipated time in Malaysia, with markets brimming with the distinctive, spiky fruits.
Renowned as the "King of Fruits," durian is a culinary delight for many, boasting a rich, creamy texture and a flavour that some describe as a mix of sweet and savoury.
Photo via Verywell Health
However, as much as durian is celebrated, it also comes with its fair share of cautions, particularly concerning how it interacts with other foods.
Recently, a notable incident highlighted the potential dangers of consuming durian with certain other foods. Dr. Samhan shared an alarming story of a patient who stumbled into his clinic, barely able to walk, pale, and sweating profusely after indulging in durian.
The patient, visibly in distress, described his symptoms to Dr. Samhan: "I feel like vomiting, and my head is spinning. I ate durian after lunch, then had coffee because I felt sleepy. But after that, I started feeling weird, doctor."
Dr. Samhan quickly identified the issue as "intoxication" or mild poisoning, a result of the combination of durian and coffee. He explained that durian is rich in sulphur and carbohydrates, while coffee contains caffeine, which can lead to dehydration. Together, these components can trigger adverse reactions in the body.
To avoid such reactions, Dr. Samhan advises waiting 4 to 6 hours after consuming durian before drinking coffee. He also emphasises the importance of staying hydrated, especially after eating durian.
Dr. Samhan provided a list of other foods that can cause similar effects when combined with durian, including alcohol, carbonated drinks, oily or spicy foods, milk, dairy products, and high-protein foods, "So, for all durian lovers out there…"
He advises, "remember to be careful what you combine with durian. While delicious, it can cause harm if combined improperly."
One reader, who admitted to only eating durian in the form of tempoyak (a fermented durian condiment), appreciated the cautionary advice: "Even though I don’t eat durian except for tempoyak, this information is still good to note in case someone accidentally eats durian paired with a hot latte one day. Thank you, doctor."
As durian season continues, Malaysians are reminded to enjoy this beloved fruit responsibly. Be mindful of what you eat or drink alongside durian to avoid any unpleasant or dangerous reactions.
Stay hydrated and allow sufficient time between consuming durian and other foods or beverages known to interact poorly with it!
