The durian is the fruit of trees from the genus Durio belonging to the Malvaceae, a large family which includes hibiscus, okra, cotton, mallows, and linden trees. Widely known and revered in Southeast Asia as the "King of Fruits", the fruit is distinctive for its large size, unique odour, and formidable thorn-covered husk. The fruit can grow up to 30 centimetres (12 in) long and 15 centimetres (6 in) in diameter, and typically weighs one to three kilograms (2 to 7 lb). Its shape ranges from oblong to round, the colour of its husk green to brown, and its flesh pale-yellow to red, depending on the species.
Durian is one of the most controversial fruits. This is due to its incredible smell which has been described using words like "sickening", "putrid" and "gross". Indeed it is true. The smell of the inside of the durian is so strong that some hotels bar guests from bringing it into their hotel room. I once kept a couple pieces closed in a plastic bag in a hotel mini-bar in Thailand and the smell remained for days.
For the price of enduring this smell, the reward is what some consider to be the "King of the Fruits", a creamy textured almost custard-like flesh with an aftertaste that will remind you of it for the better part of an afternoon. It is certainly an acquired taste.
Another factor leading to its kingly status is the size and shape of it. Durian is typically the size of a small watermelon and is covered with thorny spikes. Cutting through to the meat inside takes a large knife and good technique. Inside are a few kidney shaped chunks which are the edible part. They are covered with a thin membrane and aren't too difficult to separate from the woody outer covering.
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