The Smell of Durian Explained (ft. BrainCraft, Joe Hanson, Physics Girl & PBS Space Time)

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15 Aug 201705:53
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThe video script provides an in-depth exploration of the durian, a fruit native to Southeast Asia and known as the 'King of Fruits.' Despite its notorious smell, which is so strong that it's banned in some public places, the fruit is highly appreciated for its unique taste. The script delves into the chemical composition of durian, explaining that it contains about 45 different molecules that contribute to its pungent odor, with two key molecules identified as the primary contributors. The strong smell is attributed to sulfur-containing compounds, which humans are particularly sensitive to due to evolutionary reasons. The video also discusses the role of genetics in how individuals perceive the smell and taste of durian, suggesting that genetic variations in odor receptors can alter one's experience of the fruit. It concludes by noting that durian is an acquired taste and that the quality of durian available in the United States might be contributing to its mixed reception, with a call for viewers to share their opinions on this divisive fruit.

Takeaways
  • 🌟 Durian is native to Southeast Asia and is known as the 'King of Fruits' in the region.
  • 🔍 The fruit has a strong, distinctive odor, which is so potent that it's banned in some hotels, subways, and movie theaters.
  • 🧪 Scientists have identified around 45 different molecules contributing to durian's smell, including some with sulfur which humans are particularly sensitive to.
  • 🧀 A study found that two molecules can mimic the overall smell of durian, and many of the compounds have a sulfur content, which can be perceived as unpleasant.
  • 👃 Our heightened sensitivity to sulfur-containing molecules is likely an evolutionary trait to help us detect rotten food, dead animals, and other hazards.
  • 🧬 Genetic variations in our approximately 400 functioning odor receptors can alter how we perceive smells, including durian's.
  • 🤔 Some people may not smell durian at all due to genetic differences, which can also affect their perception of its flavor.
  • 🍰 Durian has a complex taste, often described as custardy, sweet, and with a unique 'funkiness' that some people find very appealing.
  • 🍏 Opinions on durian's taste can be quite varied, with some comparing it to a mix of kiwi, pear, or even an apple dipped in a landfill and covered in yogurt.
  • 🧀 The experience of eating durian can be influenced by cultural background and personal experiences, which can evoke memories and emotions.
  • 🏆 There are different varieties of durian, with some being more prized for their smaller seeds and larger, more flavorful flesh.
  • 🗑️ The perception of durian in the United States may be negatively affected by the quality of the fruit available, which might not be as highly regarded as those in Southeast Asia.
Q & A
  • What is the origin of the name 'durian'?

    -The name 'durian' comes from the Malaysian word for thorn, which is fitting due to the fruit's spiky exterior.

  • Which region is the durian fruit native to?

    -Durian is native to Southeast Asia.

  • How much durian does Thailand produce annually?

    -Thailand produces more than half a million metric tons of durian every year.

  • Why is durian often considered the 'King of Fruits' in Southeast Asia despite its strong odor?

    -Despite its strong odor, durian is highly regarded for its rich and unique flavor, which has earned it the title 'King of Fruits' in Southeast Asia.

  • What does Alfred Russel Wallace say about the taste of durian?

    -Alfred Russel Wallace describes durian as having a taste similar to a rich custard flavored with almonds, with occasional hints of cream-cheese, onion-sauce, sherry-wine, and a unique rich glutinous smoothness.

  • Why is durian's smell so potent that it gets banned in some places like hotels and subways?

    -Durian's smell is so potent due to the presence of about 45 different molecules that make up its odor, some of which contain sulfur and are particularly pungent and detectable by humans.

  • Which two molecules were found in a study to mimic the overall smell of durian?

    -The study narrowed down the odor of durian to just two molecules that can mimic the fruit's overall smell, although the specific molecules are not named in the transcript.

  • How does sulfur play a role in the detection of durian's smell?

    -Sulfur plays a role in the detection of durian's smell because many of the compounds in durian's odor contain sulfur atoms. Humans are extremely sensitive to sulfur-containing molecules, which can be a result of evolutionary adaptation to detect rotten food, dead animals, and other potentially harmful substances.

  • What is the role of copper ions in our smell receptors when it comes to detecting sulfur compounds?

    -Copper ions in our smell receptors interact with sulfur compounds, enhancing our ability to detect them. When copper is blocked, as in the case of lab mice in a study, the ability to distinguish between different sulfur-containing compounds is significantly reduced.

  • Why do some people tolerate or even enjoy the smell of durian?

    -Some people may tolerate or enjoy the smell of durian because they find the taste of the fruit to be exceptionally good, and they might be willing to overlook the strong smell for the sake of the flavor.

  • How does one's genetic makeup influence their perception of durian's smell and taste?

    -Genetic variations in odor receptors, of which humans have about 400 functional ones out of roughly 800, can alter how these receptors function and thus change an individual's perception of an odor, leading to different experiences with the smell and taste of durian.

  • Why might some people not be able to smell durian at all?

    -Some people might not be able to smell durian at all due to genetic variations that affect the functionality of their odor receptors, which can result in a reduced or absent ability to detect certain smells.

  • How can the way we react to smells be influenced by our experiences and cultural background?

    -Our reactions to smells are partly determined by our experiences and cultural background. Odors can evoke memories and emotions, so if someone grew up eating durian, they might associate its smell with positive experiences, leading to a different reaction compared to someone who has not had such experiences.

  • What is the difference in quality between highly prized durians and those that are good for transportation?

    -Highly prized durians are those with small seeds and large, flavorful meat. In contrast, durians that are good for transportation may not be as highly regarded in terms of taste and quality, possibly due to being more resilient for shipping at the expense of flavor or seed-to-meat ratio.

  • Why does the durian available in the United States sometimes get criticized?

    -The durian available in the United States sometimes gets criticized as being of lower quality, possibly because it may not be as fresh or may consist of varieties that are more suitable for transportation rather than taste, leading to a less favorable impression of the fruit.

Outlines
00:00
🍈 The King of Fruits: Durian's Notorious Odor

The first paragraph introduces durian, a fruit native to Southeast Asia, particularly highlighting its strong and controversial smell. Despite its odor, durian is cherished in its native region and dubbed the 'King of Fruits.' The paragraph delves into the chemical composition of durian's smell, identifying about 45 different molecules, some of which contain sulfur and are particularly pungent. It also touches on the evolutionary advantage of humans being sensitive to sulfur compounds, which are often associated with rotten food or danger. The discussion moves on to the taste of durian, which is described as rich, custardy, and unique, with an acquired appeal. The paragraph concludes with a mention of genetic factors influencing how individuals perceive the fruit's smell and taste, and the role of personal experiences and cultural background in shaping one's opinion of durian.

05:01
🏆 Durian's Quality and the American Perception

The second paragraph focuses on the quality variations among different durians and the perception of the fruit in the United States. It points out that there are prized varieties with small seeds and large, flavorful flesh, as well as varieties better suited for transportation, which may not be as highly regarded. The speaker suggests that the negative reputation of durian in the U.S. might be due to the lower quality of the fruit imported from Thailand. The paragraph ends with a call for audience interaction, asking for their opinions on durian and sharing the speaker's own comparison of the fruit's taste to a mango and avocado hybrid with a strong garlic flavor, expressing a liking for it.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Durian
Durian is a fruit native to Southeast Asia, particularly known for its distinctive and strong odor. It is often referred to as the 'King of Fruits' in the region. In the video, durian is discussed for its unique taste and smell, which can be polarizing among people. The fruit is also mentioned in the context of its cultivation in Thailand and its impact on various social settings due to its smell.
💡Odor
Odor refers to the smell or scent of something, and in the context of the video, it specifically relates to the strong and pungent smell of the durian fruit. The video explores why durian has such a potent odor, identifying over 45 different molecules that contribute to its smell, which range from pleasant to quite foul.
💡Alfred Russel Wallace
Alfred Russel Wallace was a British naturalist, explorer, and biologist who is discussed in the video for his descriptive praise of the durian's taste. His quote provides a historical and scientific perspective on the fruit, highlighting its complex and rich flavor profile.
💡Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of durian's odor is a key focus of the video. Chemists have identified around 45 molecules that make up the fruit's smell, which include a variety of scents like honey, roasted onion, and skunk. The video emphasizes the role of sulfur-containing molecules in creating the durian's strong smell.
💡Sulfur Compounds
Sulfur compounds are a group of molecules that contain sulfur and are known for their potent smell. The video explains that many of the compounds that make up durian's odor have sulfur atoms, which humans are particularly sensitive to due to their association with rotten food, dead animals, and other potentially harmful substances. This sensitivity is attributed to evolutionary traits.
💡Olfactory Receptors
Olfactory receptors are specialized proteins found in the nose that are responsible for the sense of smell. The video discusses how these receptors interact with sulfur compounds, highlighting the role of copper ions in enhancing our ability to detect these molecules. The script mentions how blocking copper can affect the ability to distinguish between different smells.
💡Acquired Taste
An acquired taste refers to a flavor or smell that may not be immediately appealing but can become enjoyable over time as one becomes accustomed to it. The video suggests that durian's strong odor and unique taste may be an acquired taste, with some people growing to appreciate it despite the initial reaction.
💡Genetic Variation
Genetic variation refers to differences in DNA sequences that can affect how individuals perceive smells and tastes. The video explains that not everyone perceives the durian's odor in the same way due to genetic differences in odor receptors, which can alter one's sensitivity and perception of smells.
💡Cultural Perception
Cultural perception involves how different societies and individuals within those societies interpret and react to certain experiences, such as food. The video touches on how cultural background and personal experiences can influence one's acceptance and enjoyment of durian, with those who grew up with the fruit being more likely to appreciate its taste and smell.
💡Durian Quality
The quality of durian is mentioned in the context of how it is perceived in different regions. The video suggests that the durian available in the United States may not be of the highest quality, which could contribute to the negative perceptions of the fruit in that region. It also discusses the variation in durian quality, with some varieties being more prized for their smaller seeds and larger, more flavorful flesh.
💡Evolutionary Sensitivity
Evolutionary sensitivity refers to the idea that our senses have developed over time to help us survive, such as by detecting harmful substances. The video explains that our heightened sensitivity to sulfur-containing molecules is likely an evolutionary adaptation to help us avoid rotten food and other dangers.
Highlights

Durian is native to Southeast Asia and is known as the 'King of Fruits' in the region.

Thailand produces over half a million metric tons of durian annually.

The fruit has a strong odor, which some people find unpleasant, leading to bans in certain public places.

Alfred Russel Wallace described durian's flavor as a rich custard with occasional notes of cream-cheese, onion-sauce, and sherry-wine.

Chemists have identified 45 different molecules that contribute to durian's odor, including honey, roasted onion, caramel, skunk, and rotten egg.

A recent study found that just two molecules can mimic the overall smell of durian.

Many of the odor-causing compounds in durian contain sulfur, which humans are particularly sensitive to due to evolutionary reasons.

The sensitivity to sulfur-containing molecules is linked to copper ions in our smell receptors.

Durian's strong smell is due to the presence of sulfur compounds, which are associated with rotten food and other unpleasant smells.

Despite the smell, durian is considered a delicacy for its rich and unique taste, often compared to a mix of custard and other flavors.

Taste preferences for durian can be an acquired taste, with some people enjoying it more after repeated exposure.

Professional chef Parnass Savang describes durian as custardy, sweet, and with a unique fermentation funkiness.

Genetic variations in odor receptors can alter an individual's perception of durian's smell.

Some people may not be able to smell durian at all due to genetic differences.

The complexity of flavor is largely due to smell, so those who can't smell durian might miss out on its full taste experience.

Cultural experiences and upbringing can influence one's reaction to the smell and taste of durian.

The quality of durian can vary, with some varieties being more highly prized for their smaller seeds and larger fruit meat.

The perception of durian in the United States may be negatively influenced by the lower quality of the fruit typically available there.

The video presenter compares the taste of durian to a mix of mango, avocado, and garlic, and expresses a liking for it.

Transcripts
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