What Is Durian Fruit & What Does It Smell Like (Ultimate Guide)
Recognized by its pungent, unpleasant odor and unique spiky shape, durian fruit is a Southeast Asian delicacy that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Durian fruit is a large, oblong tropical fruits with a hard, spiky shell, custard-like flesh, and large seeds. It is the edible fruit of tree species belonging to the Durio genus, the most common being the Durio zibethinus. It is known for its strong and pungent smell.
Durian can grow up to 12 inches long and 6 inches in diameter and can weigh anywhere from two to seven pounds. The color of the skin can range from green to brown and its flesh from pale yellow to red, depending on the species.
What does Durian smell like
Durian's unique aroma is often compared to garbage, Limburger cheese, rotten egg, raw sewage, or sweaty socks. For many, the smell of durian fruit is overpowering and disgusting. For this reason, it has been banned from public places in counties such as Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
However, some who have gotten used to the smell of this fruit via acquired taste may go so far as to say that durian fruit is tolerable, pleasant, and even sweet.
What does Durian taste like
Despite its smell, the flesh of ripe durian fruit is delicious and sweet. Its flavor is often compared to caramel and vanilla, with some also describing it as nutty, garlicky, and cheesy.
Because of its pleasant taste, durian works well in both sweet and savory dishes. Its creamy, custard-like texture and consistency make it an excellent addition to cakes, ice cream, and smoothies.