The taste from heaven, the smell from hell, it's the durian! One of the highest respected fruits throughout Southeast Asia, the durian has earned the nickname "King of the Fruits." King or not, it's one of the most interesting fruits I've ever come across. To those who are used to apples and bananas, the "durian experience" is anything but ordinary.
For most Americans, the durian looks more like a weapon than a fruit. Durian means "thorny" in Thai, and it is well named. The durian fruit is covered in spikes, and a single fruit can be as heavy as a bowling ball. The fruits fall from the tree when ripe, and they have been known to kill people who are standing beneath them.
I had heard quite a bit about the durian before I actually got my hands on one, but none of it had prepared me for such a shock upon opening my first one. Almost immediately after sticking my knife into the tough skin, I was overwhelmed by an intense smell, something reminiscent of diesel fuel! I actually had to step away and catch my breath before digging back in. Halfway through the durian, my mom came through the door in a panic - she thought there was a gas leak! The smell of durian is so memorable, in fact, that I swore I could smell it as I was writing this article.
Inside the fruit, which ranges in color from green to brown, there are five sections of yellowish to white blobs, filled with big brown seeds. The appearance of this is a bit unappealing to the durian novice. It looks a bit like raw chicken; however, it is anything but animal! The durian is like no other fruit in more ways than one. All durians have a custard-like consistency and can taste sweet or even nutty. My first reaction to the taste was one of surprise more than pleasure. It tasted like sweet, garlic pudding!
The durian's health qualities also have a good reputation throughout Asia. The durian is high in fiber, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins. The durian is also said to have heating qualities, which keep its eaters warm at night. This may due to the amounts of sulfur, said to be a beautifying mineral, which can also give the durian its slightly garlic taste. Some Asian sellers claim that durian has sexual benefits as well. Whether this is a fact, a superstition, or a mere marketing scheme, I'm not so sure. I guess the eater will have to test it themselves!
After a while, the durian's smell will not even phase its eater, and it does not take long to get used to the taste. By the time I had consumed my first durian (all in one night), I was craving more. I always recommend the durian to people wanting to try something new. It never hurts to surprise your relatives by bringing a durian to Thanksgiving dinner, either!
I look forward to visiting Thailand and Malaysia one day to try all of the different varieties, but until then, durians can be found in Asian markets and grocery stores all over North America. They can sometimes be a bit costly, but the experience is well worth it!
Now I'm not much for monarchies, but I have to admit...the durian would make quite a "King of the Fruits!"
