Julie Kalivretenos
Adventures of the Durian!
See more of these durian photos on Flickr!
When I went to my favorite Asian foods market today in Viet-town for young coconuts and bento boxes, I didn’t expect to find a whole barrel full of live, REAL, fresh durians! I’d finally come face to face with the elusive fruit I have only heard of quite favorably from my raw friends or, from what I’ve seen Andrew Zimmern almost puke over on his “Bizarre Foods” hit TV show on the Travel Channel. Very curious for a man who happily scarfs down on rodent nads, roaches, monkey brains, and road kill!
My husband and daughter were happy to partake in the dissection of this 4.65 lb, $6.90, spiny, alien-like object (is that a good price?). God forbid if one of these things ever dropped on your head. And this one was one of the smaller of the bunch!
I think I had prepared myself for the worst, particularly based on what I was told regarding the smell. Well, it did release some funk that if I hadn’t known better I would have blamed my 13-year old for farting. Mr. Tran from the market described them as being like a sweet, yet pungent (a nice way to put it), avocado. I’d say that’s the closest description you can possibly get for something that’s nearly impossible to describe. And the flesh eerily resembles the yellow wrinkly skin of raw chicken parts!
The overall verdict? Absolutely different as if this thing came from some other planet. Not initially disgusting, but not fabulous. Then came the indigestion part. Just the few bites George and I had gave us durian burps for the next hour or so. That was kinda gross. Would I buy it again? Not quite yet. It’s definitely a taste-acquired thing and right now that quirky thing that has manifested into weird-food love for me is sea vegetables. My question is now, what do I do with the rest of it I’ve stored in the fridge? It would probably make an interesting layer to my morning shakes.
Any durian experiences, loves, likes, dislikes, and advice are welcome!
Adventures Nightmare of the Durian update (4/29): That creature took over my kitchen for 24 hours. Durians are mean and they stink. Maybe I’d have to be in Thailand someplace in the open air so that they can’t assault me if I ever try one again. Bad, bad durian! I don’t like you!
<3, JMK
Filed under: Food Finds, General Posts | Tagged: durian
Kudos to you for trying it! ;D Most people either love it or hate it. My first try was rather…interesting (couldn’t quite get past burst of sweet onion/garlic taste), but after a second and third attempt I was hooked. And no two durians taste alike! Each one has its own personality as to underlying flavor/s.
You could definitely try some durian in a smoothie or a pudding, but maybe start out with a small amount…see how you like. Shazzie’s “Green Coconut and Durian Soup” recipe from Naked Chocolate might be a fun one for you to try. If you don’t have the book, I can email you the recipe if you want. Lemme know!
Once open, the durian can last pretty well up to about four/five days if kept in an airtight container. You can also freeze any leftovers if you prefer. Or just send them to me! lol
Hi Julie, I’ve heard all about this curious fruit, wish I had some type of suggestion to offer but I don’t. I have yet to try it. I’m curious to know what you will think of to use what is left.
Hey Julie,
xo Dea
so glad you finally found it! I remember months ago you were looking for it but couldn’t find Durian in your area. I agree with you its definately an acquired taste.
I am hooked. Durian freezes really well, and is great in raw icecream, pudding and cheese cake recipes. Oh btw I totally agree it does look like raw chicken parts
Bye
I forgot to mention the price you paid is awesome, I remember paying $8.00 for a 5lb Durian last yr while visiting back home , ciao
Dea
odd thing is I have been wanting to try it….so thanks for the post on it + your experience. It actually looks approachable now!
Been enjoying your reads…I am new to raw + juicing and transitioning….it’s been incredbile; thanks for your enthusiastic posts!
Way to go!!! I love your expressions! I’m hoping our venture out to the H-mart on Tuesday gets us a fresh durian. It would be a real bummer to drive an hour and a half only to find a 5 pound frozen solid chunk! If not, when I’m in Winter Garden (near Orlando) next month you can give me directions to the store you shopped at! I’d love to pick some up fresh!
Rawbin, I’d be happy to provide you with directions. Just let me know when! I can tell you off the bat that the place is on the exact opposite side of town from Winter Garden off Colonial Drive (SR-50). Viet-town is more near the downtown Orlando area.
Hi Julie,
Not online often but I adore your blog! Your recipes are very creative, you should consider doing this professionally if you don’t already. I’m not a big fan of the durian but I spent a while in Thailand and I will say that they seemed taste better there probably because they were so close to the source. I used them in dessert recipes and they work quite well. Depending on other ingredients the durian flavor can become neutral and well disguised. Good luck and keep blogging!
Chef Sasha
Julie!
I enjoyed all of the pics and reading your experience. I was thinking it looked like chicken parts, too, and then read your description of it. ICK!
I think you were brave to try it. I wonder if you’ll like it better if you try it agan sometime in the future? I’ve yet to try it.
Lots of love to you!
Wendi
XOXOXO
I LOVE durian. I live in Oregon, so sadly I can’t get them fresh. I get them from an Asian market here (they come from frozen from Thailand).
I eat them every day, and sometimes I eat one for each meal…yup, the whole thing. The only other thing I eat almost as much of is young coconuts. This morning my mom-in-law and I had a durian pudding (durian blended with the water and juice of a young coconut). The BEST thing in the world!
Julie I saw your hilarious update…..durians are mean and they stink bad durian bad……hahaha did you throw it out?
ciao xo