5 freaky facts about the world’s smelliest fruit Durian

A fruit that can be mistaken for the jackfruit, Durian is far from the sweet-scented jackfruit. Of late, durian fruit has gained notoriety for being the world’s smelliest fruit.  And if you ever plan on visiting Southeast Asia, there is a possibility to encounter this fruit in every fruit stall. In fact, this smelly fruit is infamous and healthy but divisive Southeast Asian snack. 
So, what makes this smelly fruit a delicacy among Southeast Asian people?

Also Read | Combat air pollution with these air-purifying plants

Here are some facts about the durian fruit:

1. The Durian fruit is a superfruit: Yes, you heard that right. Despite its infamous stench, the durian fruit is extremely healthy, even more than other fruits. Packed with iron, vitamin C and potassium, durian is known to strengthen muscle, beautify skin and it even lowers blood pressure. A further study also suggested that one small durian contains 23g of dietary fibre which is nearly all your daily nutritional requirement. 
2. Its appearance is unique as its smell: Measuring mostly about a foot wide, this fruit can weight up-to 7 pounds and covered with formidable spikes that can pierce through your flesh. The fruit generally weighs between two to seven pounds with a strong, fecund smell that pervades the outer shell and lingers long after the fruit has been removed. 
3. The Durian fruit is a big no-no in public transports: As much as the food is a relish for many, durian is also an unwelcome fruit by many. And because of its overpowering smell, durian has been banned on many types of public transport across Thailand, Japan and Hong Kong. In Singapore, banning of this fruit stretches as far as every public transportation. ‘No Durian allowed’ signboards will let you know that they will refuse to cater you if you have it hidden away in your carry-bag.
4. The taste of this fruit is indescribable: Another distinct aspect of this fruit is its indescribable taste. Since its discovery and continuing, travel writers have not been able to put words into this fruit’s taste. Some have described it as having a rich custard highly flavoured with almonds while some calls it as having a cream-cheese, onion-sauce, sherry-wine like flavour. 
5. It is the king of the fruit: This fruit in Southeast Asia is considered as the king of the fruit. It can be because of its size and taste. The fruit has a difficult level of cultivation because of its demand for a very particular component in the soil. For shipping, durian is easily the most expensive fruit as well.

Also Read | Five food substitutes for lactose intolerance

Fancy a stinking yet healthy durian for breakfast?