To describe fragrances is by definition not easy, but to describe the smell of a durian … pfff ….
Personally, I find it repulsive, penetrant and unbearable. And I’m not alone as this fruit is banned in many countries in public transport and public places.
People who do not know this fruit or its smell often ask me what it smells like “Come on, describe it. What can you compare it with? Give it a try”
Comparisons and descriptions that I have heard and read about the durian are that it smells like:
fermented onions,
overripe cheese,
rotten fish,
unwashed socks,
a garbage dump on a hot day,
rotting flesh,
sour milk,
vomit, and….
strong Camembert with honey
I think a comparison with very strong French cheese is not a bad one. Especially since we westerners often find it, despite of the smell STILL delicious!
Well, most Asians love, love, love durians. Not necessarily the smell, I presume, but the taste? Yes, very much so.
I do not know how it tastes, since I cannot seem to overcome the smell. Last year I tried to be brave and try a durian ice cream That seemed to be the most accessible form of durian-eating for me;-).
But when the ice was in front of me I found the smell so revolting that I did not even have a small bite!
Apparently there are many different qualities and grades, and they are numbered and priced accordingly. The numbering is something like what carats are in diamonds:. D1 to D27.
If you like to experience the smell with your own nose then I read the following tip to mimic the smell:
“Take an onion, put it in a plastic bag, leave it there until he has become soft and moldy. Open the bag and smell.”
Wether the smell actually is similar to that of a durian I do not know and I do not even want to try;-)
But if someone out there does perform this experiment I am anxious to hear about the results!
Me, I hope to be a bit more brave one day, hold my nose closed and taste some durian.
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