The smell is that of something foul.  Described as the “king of fruit” the durian is a true delicacy and something that every self-described foodie should try at one point in their life. The last time that I was in Singapore, I was determined to try all the delicacies of this unique country: Chili Crab, Chicken Rice, Fish Head Stew, local Indian curry and durian.  I was able to cross everything off my list except the fruit. 

The same kind family that showed me around Singapore last fall is here helping the US Swim Team once again and asked if there is anything that they could do for me.  Without even thinking, I quickly replied that I needed some durian before I left.  Immediately May got on the phone and found where the best durian was and how she could get it.  Apparently a single fruit can cost between $10-$40 depending on the quality and time of year. 

After this morning’s practice, May presented me with the durian.  It was carefully separated into a Styrofoam container, sealed in plastic and wrapped in newspaper.  Because of the fruit’s distinct, overpowering smell, the durian is banned from public transportation and hotels.  As I began to tear through the plastic outer layer, the putrid smell came pouring out.  Determined to overcome it’s smell, I looked at the alien fruit and dug in. 

I remember reading Anthony Bourdain’s A Cook’s Tour and he said that it is impossible to describe the fruit and I totally agree.  The taste and the smell are completely incongruent and confuse the senses. The intense smell is like a strange combination of rotten bleu cheese and petroleum.  The texture is like a really creamy flan or custard. The taste develops as you eat the flesh.  At first it’s like really funky bleu cheese that has been ripening in my swim bag.  After a couple bites, it becomes sweet and the initial smell is just a memory.  I didn’t like the first few bites, but it grew on me as I finished eating the pod.  The aftertaste is like I just ate an entire raw onion.  As I sit on the bus on the way to the hotel, I’m a little worried that my breath is offending my fellow teammates. 

I recommend doing a search of durian on Wikipedia so that you can see the pictures and info of this crazy fruit.  For any of you who are planning ontraveling to Southeast Asia, I highly recommend trying the king of fruit.   It’s a perfect food since it has carbs, fats and protein in addition to it’s many vitamins.  My description is probably not the most appetizing, but if Teri (my coach, a food coward) could try it, anyone can!  I’m not sure if I like the fruit or not, but it’s definitely interesting. I’ll have to try it again…