"What is that smell?" this is the phrase that usually heralds the arrival of the king of South Asian fruits, the majestic durian. Its creamy flesh subtly calls to mind the flavor of almonds, sherry, custard and ice cream - but it is all-pervasive odour has all the delicacy of soiled socks, spoiled cheese and methylated spirits.
The durian's in-your-face and up-your-nose presence has led to it being banned in many public places in Southeast Asia, for the olfactory well-being and mental health of innocent passers-by.
The appearance of the durian is almost as alarming as its stink. Its skin is covered with pyramidal spikes that make it look like a medieval weapon. Khaki-green in color, it could almost be a bionic grenade.
Nature's warning? If so, connoisseurs of the fruit pay it no heed. They unanimously agree that getting to know the durian is worth the ordeal of getting close to it. It is manna from heaven, they say, the nectar of the gods. They add that, as almost durian trees are grown from seed, every tree bears fruit with its own characteristic flavor, so no two durian in the market are likely to taste the same. The fruit is even held to possess the powers of an aphrodisiac, however unromantic it maybe to nuzzle wearing nose clips.
The appearance of the durian is almost as alarming as its stink. Its skin is covered with pyramidal spikes that make it look like a medieval weapon. Khaki-green in color, it could almost be a bionic grenade.
Nature's warning? If so, connoisseurs of the fruit pay it no heed. They unanimously agree that getting to know the durian is worth the ordeal of getting close to it. It is manna from heaven, they say, the nectar of the gods. They add that, as almost durian trees are grown from seed, every tree bears fruit with its own characteristic flavor, so no two durian in the market are likely to taste the same. The fruit is even held to possess the powers of an aphrodisiac, however unromantic it maybe to nuzzle wearing nose clips.
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