Stinky Chinese Food: Durian

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China is infamous for its interesting and unique cuisine, and that includes some genuinely smelly Chinese food!

Durian, or liúlián in Chinese (榴莲), is a large, spiky tropical fruit, originating from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Borneo. However, durian and durian-flavoured snacks are popular throughout China as well.

There are actually several varieties of this oblong, greenish-yellow fruit, weighing between 2 and 7 pounds. Despite it’s unusual appearance, it’s infamy stems from it memorable smell.

The smell and flavour of durian is difficult to describe. It’s stench has been likened to gym socks, onions, rotting meat, and garbage, and if a durian is anywhere in your vicinity, you’ll be sure to smell it.

As for the taste, it’s not quite as pungent as its odor, although it’s pretty close. The inside of a durian contains large seeds and thick, creamy flesh. The fruit meat itself is very soft, with a complex flavor–equal parts sweet and stinky.

Why is Durian so Popular?

When it comes to smelly Chinese fruit, you wouldn’t think it’d be so popular would you! However, durian is quite popular among some people, who find the taste quite enjoyable.

To them, the flavour is delicious, and they don’t mind the smell, or they even enjoy it. Not everyone likes it, but it’s popular enough that there plenty of durian foods and snacks in and around Asia.

Another benefit to durian is that it is extremely healthy, even a superfruit! Durian is high in iron, vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, and dietary fibre. Durian also contains many antioxidants, and other health benefits include reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and infections, as well as lowering blood sugar.

How is Durian Eaten?

In China you can see durian in all types and forms. One of its most common forms is a candy flavour.

But there are also durian-stuffed cakes and pastries, durian custard tarts, durian ice cream or smoothies, and even durian on pizzas! So, durian isn’t limited to sweet foods only. You might also find dried or frozen durian, which changes the texture of the fruit.