Durian, the $200 Fruit that Smells Like Gas
Wow, this story is hilarious. I love fruit but I'm not so sure I'm interested in trying Durian (a fruit growing ever more popular with Southeast Asians and Chinese) because not only does it cost upwards of $200 a piece but apparently it smells like gasoline. Or garbage. Or manure. Or stinky socks. Take your pick, none of the descriptors are good.
So why do people prize this fruit so much? I guess once you cut them open you can separate the stinky part from the edible part, which is reportedly very sweet, nutty, and almost custard-like, and it's quite tasty. $200 tasty.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
David T Jun 23rd 2008 11:19AM
Ah, those two dudes are the prime ministers of Malaysia and Singapore, respectively.
Durian is the favorite fruit of many people here in south east Asia - the aroma is "pungent" - you do get used to it - but the taste and texture of the flesh is just heavenly. And typically it does NOT cost $200 unless it's really really special.... more like $20 or less..
Andy Jun 23rd 2008 12:07PM
Anybody that pays $200 for Durian is an idiot. I would suggest everybody try some, it is something else (some love it, other hate it.)
verdegrrl Jun 23rd 2008 1:24PM
Durian is actually fairly inexpensive in Asia. Although the packaging to keep it from smelling up places needs to be very good. It's banned in many public places.
I've tried the fruit twice. It's very polarizing. You love it or hate it. Unfortunately I hate it. Utterly revolting. Just recalling the taste and texture causes nausea.
Eric Jun 25th 2008 2:24AM
The average durian costs no more than the equivalent of USD8.00 - 10.00. That's the going rate here in Singapore.
Misterius Jun 24th 2008 2:06AM
Wow! I'd like to try these durians.
It's my favourite fruit. $1/pound in California.
Jerrick Jun 24th 2008 12:00PM
Erm yeah, seriously 200 dollars a fruit would be like paying 200 dollars for a small bag of apples. Its possible to get like 5 durians for 20 dollars, and not just any old durians but like the king of the durian (which is ALREADY called the king of all fruits), the D24 variety and so on.
William C Jun 24th 2008 12:38PM
Yo luxist... change the $200 to $10. And by that I mean remove this post - there's nothing luxurious about this.
hillary Jun 24th 2008 2:39PM
sounds like an old riesling!!
John P. Jun 28th 2008 10:09PM
Yeah, that price is way out of whack. they don't cost that much, and they shouldn't. Hideous taste and texture. But, if you like them, Great!
willysson Jul 9th 2008 5:52AM
in Thailand the better varieties can be $30 a kilo. The so-called "stinky" part is the part you eat! Personally, i don't like the taste of fresh durian, mainly due to the texture, but I actually like the smell. Durian is often mixed with flour and sugar to make a sweet paste which is very good as a filling for baked goods, or eaten plain.
Kathryn Hill Jul 31st 2008 1:53PM
Durian does NOT cost $200, you can get one for $12-14 in San Francisco's Chinatown. How to Open a Durian - http://blog.kosmonaut.net/?p=186