GB
Chief Eating Officer
I have been curious about durian for a number of years now, but have never had the opportunity to try it until recently. There is an Asian market near my office and not only do they sell fresh durian, but they also sell all sorts of prepared durian products. The fresh durian was a bit intimidating and expensive so I decided to get a durian iced treat (basically durian ice cream). Well I bought that a few months ago, but did not get up the nerve to try it until this weekend. The interesting thing though is that on Friday there was a box of durian cream filled chocolates in the kitchen at the office. I figured what better way to try something like that then with chocolate?
The chocolates did not have a smell. For those not familiar with durian, it supposedly smells horrible, so much so that in many public places in Asia it is forbidden. The chocolate was not bad. the durian cream had a definite flavor that was not too subtle. I can not say I enjoyed it, but it was not horrible either. I ate one piece and had no desire for a second one.
Well once I tried the chocolate I was feeling brave enough to try the ice cream. It was much different than the chocolate. The smell was pretty intense. I would say the description that I hear most when durian is mentioned is the most accurate, that being of dirty socks (times 10). it was a very unpleasant and pervasive smell. The taste, however, was not horrible. I would say it is probably an acquired taste, but it would not take much to acquire it. There is really nothing I can compare it to, but it was sweet and fruity. My kids actually loved it and never even mentioned the odor.
So I am glad I finally tried it and I can happily live the rest of my life without ever having to eat it again.
The chocolates did not have a smell. For those not familiar with durian, it supposedly smells horrible, so much so that in many public places in Asia it is forbidden. The chocolate was not bad. the durian cream had a definite flavor that was not too subtle. I can not say I enjoyed it, but it was not horrible either. I ate one piece and had no desire for a second one.
Well once I tried the chocolate I was feeling brave enough to try the ice cream. It was much different than the chocolate. The smell was pretty intense. I would say the description that I hear most when durian is mentioned is the most accurate, that being of dirty socks (times 10). it was a very unpleasant and pervasive smell. The taste, however, was not horrible. I would say it is probably an acquired taste, but it would not take much to acquire it. There is really nothing I can compare it to, but it was sweet and fruity. My kids actually loved it and never even mentioned the odor.
So I am glad I finally tried it and I can happily live the rest of my life without ever having to eat it again.
