I have never eaten durian, but I hear it is good. Kind of a love it or hate it proposition.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/03/30/news/durian.php?page=2

It reminds me of a creamy pudding. It is pleasant tasting, but it does smell. I can see why it's banned in some hotels and the Singapore subway. If half the people on a subway had one, you couldn't stand to be on there.

I've eaten it chilled once. Served cold is supposed to make it more like icecream and less stinky. Of what I can remember of the actual flavor, I wasn't impressed -- and the smell is awful!

there is an international grocer in Cincinnati that carries it- Ive heard it described as "the best custard in the worst bathroom"- cant say as Id have the guts to try it.....

I (think I) know where you're talking about, Garnet. It's where some friends and I went in on our Durian. Wow, did my trunk stink by the time we got back to Dayton!

It's called Jungle Jim's and it's the most awesome place. I haven't been there since I got the citrus bug, but I really want to get down there again and check out their fruit selection.

Here's the website:

http://www.junglejims.com/

It's a regular grocer besides and well worth the stop if you're going through Cincy. Pretty busy on weekends because of its curiosity factor. They also have a lawn and garden department, awesome wine selection, liquor store, walk-in humidor, Starbucks and ice cream store. Way too much to describe and I don't do it justice. Large aisles dedicated to the foods of single countries. Very cool place.

I can't understand why in the world someone would want to taste something that stinks!
What does it smell like? Dead body? Bad gas? Rotten onion?

Patty,

Stinky feet is what it reminds me of. And it does stink. They keep them frozen at Jungle Jim's - I think it suppresses the odor that comes off of them. They'll start to thaw on the way home, though. Especially on a summer day.

Tastewise, it's sweet and lightly fruity. Texturally, they remind me of a custard pudding. Keeping it cool diminishes the odor somewhat, but as with anything, it also reduces the flavor.

It's worth trying with some friends for the curiosity factor alone. I want one now to try to plant the seed. Trying to open the thing up is another factor. My tip is to have a machete handy. And gloves. They're spiny. It's an adventure - you only live once!

Tim

hiya Tim, and youre completely right. JJ's is an amazing place.

Dont forget the animatronic Elvis Bear, who sings every 15? minutes!

dont forget the aisles of hot sauce!

I went there last year when I was visiting my dad, and they had nagami kumquats, buddah hands (no seeds!), sour orange, and a few other neat things. They also have good looking Feijoas (super easy from seed, but slow growing)

I love the reduced produce bin, Ive used it for salads and seed potatoes!

Sure wish there was a Jungle Jim's around here!
Durian reminds me of Fettuccini Alfredo (which I love). A Italian friend once told me "it's good when it smells like old socks in a guys locker room" LOL