Durian is a unique tropical fruit, popular in Southeast Asia, where it’s nicknamed “the king of fruits.” The fruit is very high in nutrients, containing more than most other fruit. It has a spiky outer shell; many in that region consider it to be a delicacy.

However, the fruit is also known for its strong, persistent, lingering odor, which apparently takes some getting used to. In fact, the smell is so bad that it has led Singapore (a country already famous for strict laws) to ban the durian fruit on all forms of public transportation, and even prohibit it in some hotels and public spaces.

There are more than 30 varieties of Durian; some can be up to 12” (30 cm) wide and weigh 2-7 pounds (1-3 kg).

Scientists recently discovered a particular gene responsible for the durian’s odor. They say the odor has an important purpose in nature; it attracts animals, who then eat the fruit and spread the seeds.

Durian is used in both sweet and savory dishes. Both the creamy flesh and seeds are edible, although the seeds must be roasted or boiled. Durian is also used in traditional medicine; it has some medicinal properties that are currently being studied.

The flavor has been described as tasting like cheese, almonds, garlic, and caramel all at once. The aroma, on the other hand, has been described variously as rotten onions, turpentine, and raw sewage; apparently the odor is even more difficult to describe than the fruit’s unique taste.

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