Durian, the Kings Fruit

The fine line between attraction and repulsion

If your nose alerts you to an offensively fetid stench (something like fresh, steaming excrement) – and you’re not actually standing in a porta-potty at that moment – then you might have a slice of ripe durian in your hand.

Known as the kings fruit, this highly prized, and surprisingly expensive delicacy is loved on this side of the globe. Apparently it is quite addictive and it’s more ardent fans must be warned not to overdo it. It looks a bit like an evil green pineapple but it’s unappetizing appearance doesn’t even approach the olfactory-destroying surprise that awaits inside.

With such a pedigree I had to try it. In fact, our guide Nai practically insisted. I have been all too eager to try any strange local fare along the way and he’s made it his mission to accommodate me. He’s been texting me tonight to see if I’ve eaten it yet.

Rather than buy a large whole fruit, earlier today we picked up a half pound of the stuff, already peeled and very ripe. It’s malodorous aura is so strong, it took 2 freezer ziplocks in addition to the cellophane packaging to keep it from reeking up the apartment.

The moment of truth

I took it outside away from our hotel, opened the bags and took a piece out from the package. It was soft and reminded me of uncooked dough… until the stink hit and I imagined it a rotting, diseased…. no! Must suppress these thoughts. I do want to enjoy this experience. I took a mouthful and really tried to explore the flavor. It was sweet, delicate – and while I couldn’t ignore the repulsive aroma, a deeper, more complex flavor began to emerge. I took another mouthful, and then a third – mashing it with my tongue to pick it apart the mystery of it’s allure – until it’s soft mushy texture association was irrepressible – and I’d had enough.

I could see how a person could get into this once they no longer harbored ill-associations with the smell. After all, the bouquet of perfectly delicious hard-boiled eggs can easily be mistaken for a fart – and there’s a disturbing similarity between a guys unwashed unmentionables and corn chips or salami… or is that just me?

I’ve been initiated now. Truth is, I can’t wait (ok, I can wait) to try it again tomorrow. Go a little deeper into that rabbit hole (or is that the porta-potty?)

---

Update: Next day. We came back from our big outing and the whole apartment smells like this stuff. I mean it’s triple wrapped in freezer ziplocks and sitting in the fridge. I resolve to get rid of it, but before I do, I must try it again. Standing over the trash can outside, I get a few mouthfuls in and realize it’s actually starting to taste … well, pretty good. The smell, which was solidly sesspool-ish, now has a sweetness I didn’t notice before. Still mostly repulsive though.

I won’t be seeking this stuff out at home, but I’m not afraid of it anymore.

I just burped… ugh.