Durian, the "King of Fruit"
"It tastes like heaven, and smells like hell".
Durian is called the "King of Fruit" in Thailand. It's a legendary delicacy that is impossible not to have an opinion of. People either love it or hate it. Absolutely nobody feels ambivalently towards durian. Over the years it's grown on me, but I have to admit that when I first encountered it, I was both horrified and intrigued. This stinky fruit, which is banned throughout Thailand in public spaces such as on the subway or in hotels, is only available for a short season in the late summer months and in the early rainy season.
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| packaged durian fruit for sale at the Ayutthaya Night Market in Thailand |
The durian is probably best known for its smell. People have tried to compare it to other unpleasant odors (stinky feet, rotten meat, gasoline), but the truth is, it's really just strong. I'm not even sure if I would describe it as a bad smell per se, just very strong, unfamiliar, and alien to a Western nose.
The taste, however, is what people crave. It's sweet, rich, and creamy. In fact, durian is so rich as to make it downright decadent - a calorie-dense dessert that appeals to only the bravest and most seasoned of foodies.
Durian is especially popular in Malaysia and Indonesia, and as a matter of fact, the Indonesian capital Jakarta is nicknamed "The Big Durian"! It's popular in Thailand too, where durian farmers make millions on their prized fruits.
I didn't used to like durian at all. I thought it was weird. Over the years, though, I've developed quite an appreciation for it. Nowadays, I love durian chips. I like durian coffee and durian ice cream well enough. I do enjoy a healthy serving of the fresh fruit, though it's a little expensive, and I only rarely buy it.
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| fresh durian fruit at a market in Bangkok, Thailand |
I started to like durian after visiting a durian farm a few years back. This was a very rewarding experience, as the durian farmer sat down with us visitors, as if we were at a wine tasting, to gently encourage us to experience all of the rich, unique flavors of the fruit. After the guided tasting of several different breeds of the durian fruit, I definitely came away with a much richer appreciation for it.
While I don't necessarily go out of my way to get it, I have to admit that I like it now. I do enjoy when I eat it, though that's usually only once or twice a year.
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| a local vendor selling durian at the Ayutthaya Night Market in Thailand |
Over time durian has slowly started to grow on me. I guess it's pretty much the definition of an acquired taste.
If fresh durian by itself is too strong for you, try it as in ingredient! Durian chips are excellent, and do not have such a strong aroma. One of my favorite ways to eat durian is in a dessert. I especially like sticky rice and durian (khao neaow durian), which is only available for a short season in the year.
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| sections of fresh durian |
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