Authentic Thai Recipe Ingredient: Durian
Durian
ทุเรียน (Thurian; Tew rian)
Regarded by many people in Thailand and throughout southeast Asia as the "king of fruits", the durian is distinctive for its large size, stomach-churning odour, and formidable thorn-covered husk. The edible flesh emits a distinctive odour, that is strong and penetrating even when the husk is intact. Some people regard the durian as pleasantly fragrant; others find the aroma overpowering and revolting. The smell evokes reactions from deep appreciation to intense disgust, and has been described variously as almonds, rotten onions, turpentine, and gym socks. The odour has led to the fruit's banishment from certain hotels and public transportation.