I planted a seedling durian tree. Not sure what kine but I bet it was one of the good ones. The golden luster of the new growth is majestic and in every way it lives up to its name, “The King of Fruits.”
Durian is truly one of a kind. It’s difficult to really pin point how good it tastes once you get hooked on it. But the smell is a big hurdle. Honestly it smells like really wilted slimy green onions in a bag you forgot about in your fridge. Add wet old socks you wore one too many times… and hints of rotten eggs, notes of hot garbage.
Some people will physically run away from durian. I’ve seen it happen before. How many foods can actually do that?
But once you learn to ignore that side of durian there’s this other heavenly sweet aroma and tropical flavors of banana, coconut, pineapple, lilikoi, and twenty other fruity, nutty, creamy, cheesy complexities.
I actually LOVE how durian smells now. Exactly how cats must feel about catnip. The fruit is so rich, and creamy, and fluffy like a mousse. My brain explodes like fireworks and shouts out “dude… please don’t stop eating this.”
The decadence actually makes me feel guilty enjoying it alone. So please, become a durian addict with me. Give it a couple tries..
There are tons of varieties in Hawaii and they are all different. This fact alone gives me a lot hope and something to look forward to.
Originally posted on 2021-01-07, part of the daily planting journal behind Ha’a Chocolate’s food forest on Hawai’i Island.