Durian Fruit of Thailand
Durian Fruit is both a controversial and exotic fruit thought to have originated from Malaysia or Borneo but what you must not forget, and that is, it is also extremely popular throughout the whole of Thailand. You will either love it or you will hate it. Ask any tourist in Thailand to recall the first time they came across it and they will tell you the all too familiar stories. Apart from the fruits very unusual shape and size, the first impression you get from this fruit, is it's somewhat unpleasant smell, very often likened to the stench of raw sewage. I'm not kidding either! Once you have regained your sense of composure and balance you may soon find that you've become accustomed to it's rather awful odour. Thereafter you should surely enjoy it's delicious sweet and creamy flesh. Go on, I dare you to give it your best shot. The only way to to truly enter the great Durian Debate is to try it yourself but if you still cannot face eating the fruit au natural then perhaps you may like to try it in ice-cream or cake form.
Durian Fruit Seller
The Durian or Thurian as is known to the Thai's, can be found either round or oval in shape and they sport dull green shell-like skins covered with semi-sharp pointed spines that turn yellow as the fruit ripens. A typical Durian can easily weigh about four or five pounds but they have been known to grow even larger than that, as much as ten pounds. I have yet to see one that size though. Once you have discarded the thick skins and become accustomed to the smell, you will be pleasantly surprised how delightful the Durian can taste. As well as being sweet and creamy, it also has a delicate hint of strawberry flavour.
The Juicy Flesh of the Durian
Preparation and StorageEach Durian fruit consists of three, four or five segments and by using a nice sharp knife, you need to slit the hard shell of the fruit at the segment joints. You then press the segments outwards making sure not to let any of the juice drip on to your clothes as it will stain. The soft creamy flesh can be eaten raw with a spoon or pureed either for a dessert or as an accompaniment to a curry.Some Thai's soak the Durian segments in coconut milk for ten or twelve hours before eating them as they claim this helps in eliminating the unpleasant smell. The seeds are often roasted and then eaten as nuts. Should you decide to purchase one of these tropical fruits to eat at home, (that is if you can find a store near you that sells them) then I would suggest that you do what is ultimately necessary and that is to prepare it outdoors. It is not recommended that you open the fruit indoors as the smell will pervade your home. However careful you might be, it is neither a good idea to store the fruit in your home. When buying Durian, look for perfect undamaged specimens and get them home as quickly as possible. Whatever you do, do not attempt to carry them on public transport as most carriers will most certainly ban them.
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