Tropical Exoticism with a Smell of Rot: What Kind of Fruit is This? 0 12

The taste of durian resembles creamy ice cream, custard with hints of mango, pineapple, papaya, persimmon, vanilla, and banana.

However, this sweet and tender pulp is well protected. The fruit's skin emits a disgusting odor and is covered in spikes for added intimidation. The fruit can reach 30 cm in diameter and weigh up to 8 kg. If such a spiky “ball” falls from a tree onto someone's head, the poor person will certainly be in trouble.

For this reason, workers involved in fruit harvesting wear helmets and respirators. For additional safety, nets are stretched under the trees to catch falling fruits.

Durian is very nutritious; it is rich in vitamins, micro- and macroelements, and fiber. It can be eaten raw, as well as used to make jams, ice cream, and candies. It can be fried with spices, making an excellent side dish for meat dishes. However, it is important not to overindulge in this exotic fruit and not to combine durian with alcohol.

How Durian is Transported

Durian fruits ripen on trees in tropical countries of South America, Southeast Asia, and Central Africa. In Thailand, it is called the “king of fruits.” To share it with others, the fruit must either be canned or dried, as transporting it fresh is impossible. Peeling off the foul-smelling skin and selling it cut is also not feasible: the fruit must be eaten immediately after the skin is opened. It is better to do this outdoors; otherwise, it will be difficult to get rid of its “aroma” indoors.

In 2023, a plane flying from Istanbul to Barcelona was forced to make an emergency landing because one of the passengers had brought durian in their luggage. Due to the highly concentrated smell of sulfur, sensors in the cargo hold were triggered, and then the odor began to be detected in the cabin as well. The plane returned to the departure airport, and the passengers were transferred to another flight.