Durian
The King of Fruits
The durian (/ˈdʊəriən/, /ˈdjʊəriən/) is the edible
fruit of several tree species belonging to the genus
Durio. Named in some regions as the "king of
fruits", the durian is distinctive for its large size, strong odour, and
thorn-covered rind. The name "durian" is derived from the Malay word
duri (meaning 'thorn'), a reference to the numerous prickly
thorns on its rind, combined with the noun-building suffix -an.
Some people regard the durian as having a pleasantly sweet fragrance,
whereas others find the aroma overpowering and unpleasant. The smell
evokes reactions ranging from deep appreciation to intense disgust. The
persistence of its odour, which may linger for several days, has led
certain hotels and public transportation services in Southeast Asia to
ban the fruit. The 19th-century British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace
described its flesh as "a rich custard highly flavoured with almonds".
The flesh can be consumed at various stages of ripeness, and it is used
to flavour a wide variety of savoury and sweet desserts in Southeast
Asian cuisines. The seeds can also be eaten when cooked.
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