rawnora
03-04-2007, 12:12 PM
Hi,
Just wanted to let everyone know about this discovery I made a few weeks ago. It is available in some Asian stores in Chinatown here in Seattle and probably other large cities as well. It is delicious and tastes more like fresh durian than most frozen durians I've had. It is not heated in any way; it is frozen and then the water is 'sucked out' by a process that involves putting the fruit in a vaccuum chamber. The explanations of the process that I've read lead me to think that it is actually superior to conventional dehydration, as there is less cellular damage.
Freeze dried durian can be ordered on line so would be a good option for people living in rural areas or for those who don't have access to durian in any other form. It would also be a good way for someone who hasn't had durian before to try it, as the flavor is consistent and representative of the fresh fruit. There is no replacement for fresh durian, of course -- the magic is in the texture, imo, which is ruined by freezing. But for someone wanting to have a trauma-free :) introduction to durian, this is a great way because there is no mess, no smell, and no worry about how to choose one or thaw it out, etc.
Btw, freeze dried durian tastes a bit like malted milk balls without the chocolate coating. It is super sweet and melts in the mouth.
Best wishes,
Nora
Just wanted to let everyone know about this discovery I made a few weeks ago. It is available in some Asian stores in Chinatown here in Seattle and probably other large cities as well. It is delicious and tastes more like fresh durian than most frozen durians I've had. It is not heated in any way; it is frozen and then the water is 'sucked out' by a process that involves putting the fruit in a vaccuum chamber. The explanations of the process that I've read lead me to think that it is actually superior to conventional dehydration, as there is less cellular damage.
Freeze dried durian can be ordered on line so would be a good option for people living in rural areas or for those who don't have access to durian in any other form. It would also be a good way for someone who hasn't had durian before to try it, as the flavor is consistent and representative of the fresh fruit. There is no replacement for fresh durian, of course -- the magic is in the texture, imo, which is ruined by freezing. But for someone wanting to have a trauma-free :) introduction to durian, this is a great way because there is no mess, no smell, and no worry about how to choose one or thaw it out, etc.
Btw, freeze dried durian tastes a bit like malted milk balls without the chocolate coating. It is super sweet and melts in the mouth.
Best wishes,
Nora