Durian Party

Durian is the "king of fruits" in Asia. It is a very strange looking fruit enclosed in a husk with sharp thorns on it. I was very surprised to hear that people have durian parties. It's a get together with friends where they sit around and eat durian. Other fruits are also served but the center of attention is the durian. I have been told that there are many varieties of durian and certain ones are considered better than others, thus costing more.

What is very interesting about this particular fruit is that it has a rather unique smell. It smells a bit like cheese, like something rotting. I found the smell to be a little hard to take but I think I can handle it, after all, I am a natto aficionado and I love blue cheese. Most of the establishments (hotels and restaurants) do not have durian on their menu because the odor is offensive to many guests. I guess you either love it or despise it.

I have heard that durian is rich in Vitamin C and potassium. The estrogen in it is supposed to make you fertile. Some say that it is also an aphrodisiac. The Malay people use it in their candy, cakes, milkshakes and ice cream.

I have yet to taste it and I better do it soon because durian is seasonal and is only around from June to August. I can't wait to have our kids try this when they come to visit us in Penang! Torture them with a bit of durian. But who knows, they might like it.

*Close up picture of fruit is from Wikipedia.