durian (smelly shoe melon custard)

ah, durian. i've seen it many times in china towns and asian markets, but never knew what it was until after watching an episode of no reservations with anthony bourdain. as he eats the mucus filled cavity of the melon he explains this guilty pleasure of having an awful odor and a creamy texture that one loves or hates.

a few weeks later i found myself in a thai market staring down one of these giant fruits wondering if the adventure was worth such a commitment when i spotted a less daunting package of frozen durian nearby. it was already removed from the spin ridden exterior and nearly ready to eat. all that was needed was a bit of thawing explained the clerk who issued my second warning of the melons intense aroma and viscous attribute, remarking that he personally couldn't get past the smell.

so, home i rode eagerly awaiting the chance to consume what could possibly make me vomit or grin disgustingly from ear to ear like a child that enjoys the taste of glue paste. well, all i can say is grin i did. it exuded all quality described to me, but in someway i appreciated this fruit, even knowing the smell might nauseate my roommate and leave me worse off socially then eating a handful of raw garlic cloves.

i will admit that even though i liked it, the flavor is one that i must be in the mood for. if not it really can shake me the wrong way, but when the stars are aligned it is a delicious custard like treat. if your ever ready for a blind date with the edible and spot some of this stuff, pick it up and for the sake of those around you consume alone.