FOOD NEWS
Durian Fruit Has A Notorious Smell, But What Does It Taste Like?
By Elias Nash
Durian is infamously known for its smell, which has been likened to Limburger cheese and old socks. However, its smell has overshadowed its predominantly sweet flavor.
Its flavor has been compared to caramel and vanilla, but it also depends on which variety of durian you eat — it's estimated that there are over 500 varieties.
Durians also have a funky, savory undertone that some liken to garlic, and their pale flesh has a creamy, custard-like texture that is soft enough to slurp.
Broadly speaking, durian types fall into one of two categories, sweet-leaning or bitter-leaning, and their intensity can vary dramatically.
There are also durian varieties that offer a balance of bitter and sweet, and the world’s most popular variety, Musang King, falls in this category.
Musang King durians have a star-shaped pattern on their bottom, and despite having a more pungent smell than most other types of durian, it has a rich, buttery texture.