Durio species

MALVACEAE: Durio sp.: Inspired by Dr. Stephan Gale, I finally tried my hands on Durian, the King of Fruits.

This is one of the 30 existing species of Durio, commonly called as Durain, belonging to family Malvaceae. The centre of ecological diversity for durians is the island of Borneo, where the fruit of the edible species of Durio including D. zibethinus, D. dulcis, D. graveolens, D. kutejensis, D. oxleyanus and D. testudinarum are sold in local markets.

I was trying to describe its taste but I found wikipedia version which says, ” The five cells are silky-white within, and are filled with a mass of firm, cream-coloured pulp, containing about three seeds each. This pulp is the edible part, and its consistence and flavour are indescribable. A rich custard highly flavoured with almonds gives the best general idea of it, but there are occasional wafts of flavour that call to mind cream-cheese, onion-sauce, sherry-wine, and other incongruous dishes. Then there is a rich glutinous smoothness in the pulp which nothing else possesses, but which adds to its delicacy. It is neither acid nor sweet nor juicy; yet it wants neither of these qualities, for it is in itself perfect. It produces no nausea or other bad effect, and the more you eat of it the less you feel inclined to stop. In fact, to eat Durians is a new sensation worth a voyage to the East to experience. … as producing a food of the most exquisite flavour it is unsurpassed.”

Its funny, but wikipedia describes the smell as, “ its odor is best described as pig-shit, turpentine and onions, garnished with a gym sock. It can be smelled from yards away. Despite its great local popularity, the raw fruit is forbidden from some establishments such as hotels, subways and airports, including public transportation in Southeast Asia.”

The taste I could describe as a very less smelling jackfruit with soft and dense bread or softened potato. Its sweet on the optimum level. Smell I could describe as a very low mustard gas, but it doesnt smell while eating and doesnt leave smell on hands too, like Jack fruit.

Outer coat is too hard and sharp points that can hurt very badly, so handle with care.

The last pic has one TS and one LS of seeds.

Two more pics.

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Thanks … for sharing all – pics, information n yr experience.
It is an interesting read.

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better you experiment … on our behalf… ha ha ha….
Thanks for sharing the pics and description… phew!!!
some cheeses should be banned in NYC trains and buses , similarly…
and most things on the streets and peoples’ behavior about personal matters in INDIAN cities…

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In fact during the fruit and malavaceae week I was searching for the  photo of the fruit in Picassa but
unfortunately I did not take any photo of the fruit during our visit to Singapore.    In Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand the fruits are plenty. Every nook and corner you will see it for sale.  Some people do not like the
flavor of it. In some hotels  we saw in notice board  that guests are not allowed with Durian.    When I first saw the fruit in Thailand, I thought it is Jackfruit and afterwords the vendor told me that it is Durian. In Thailand it is liked by majority as they make various delicacies out of it.

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I tasted and eat Durian when I was in Kunming. It is yummy! if I get another opportunity to go there, the first thing that I would be looking for is Durian!

🙂 this is the right time dear, or come to Hong Kong.

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