Durian - the King of Fruits??

Author: * Lotus Horemheb - 2 Posts on this thread out of 2,064 Posts sitewide.
Date: Feb 24, 2004 - 13:11

What is a durian. If you live in the United States, you've probably never heard of Durian or seen one, but they are an interesting albeit strange fruit that grows in SE Asia. One thing is for sure - you either love it or hate it.

It's a very large green fruit (about the size of a medium sized watermelon) with mace like hard protusions. Looks similar to some medieval weapons *G*. (Which explains Singapore law against the "deadly fruit" and throwing the peels from the balconys)

Here is an interesting description from a durian lover:

"Imagine the best, most delicious, and sensuous banana pudding you can imagine, add just a touch of butterscotch, vanilla, peach, pineapple, strawberry, and almond flavors, and a surprising twist of — garlic??!! Like many of life’s greatest experiences, eating durian cannot be adequately described with words. Durian has a characteristic delicious flavor, creamy texture, and tantalizing fragrance that is just... durian! — the king of fruits, Nature’s most magnificent fruit gift."

Um.....sure. I'm not a durian lover, and well, that is because it stinks. It stinks to high heaven! In fact, local Malaysians and Singaporeans have a saying "Smells like hell....tastes like heaven". Well, I can't get past hell. We Mat Salleh's have a saying, "Smacked in the face by the smell of Durian".

Durian is banned in rental cars and hotels because the smell gets into the ventilation ducts and will literally clear out entire floors. Once the smell gets into fabrics, it will not come out. In fact, the strength of the smell is how locals gauge the freshness of the fruit. The stronger the smell, the fresher it has been picked!

Whatever your opinion, Durian is certainly an experience...