Trying durian in Sri Lanka the smelly spiky fruit is it available and how and where do I dare to try it
I want to dare myself to try DURIAN the famously smelly spiky fruit Is durian available in Sri Lanka (is there a season is now a good time) where do I find it (markets stalls) how do I choose and eat it what does it actually taste like and smell like and any tips for a first timer who is equal parts curious and nervous I have heard it is love it or hate it Durian adventurers and locals please tell me how to try it here
4 Answers from travellers
Local so the durian picture and how to brave it Is it available YES durian (durian or we call it durian) grows here and is available it is a SEASONAL fruit (the main durian season tends to be around the middle of the year and the second half so you may well find it now and into the coming months and seasons vary by area ask locally for the current availability) so there is a good chance you can find it during your trip Where to find it FRUIT MARKETS and roadside fruit STALLS (the markets and the fruit sellers especially in the durian growing areas and when in season) some areas are known for durian (certain up country and wet zone areas grow good durian) look for the large spiky fruits piled at stalls or being sold whole and in segments the vendor can open it for you How to choose and eat it the seller will pick a ripe one for you (durian is eaten ripe) they OPEN the spiky husk (it takes some skill and a good knife) to reveal the segments of creamy yellowish FLESH around large seeds you eat the soft custardy flesh off the seed (do not eat the seed) with your hands buy a portion or a whole one opened (you can buy by weight or a few segments to try) What it tastes and smells like the famous part the SMELL is strong and pungent (often described as powerful sometimes off putting a strong sweet and savoury almost oniony or cheesy aroma that is why it is banned in some hotels and transport) but the TASTE is quite different from the smell the flesh is rich creamy custardy and sweet (custard like complex some taste caramel almond savoury notes) it is genuinely LOVE IT or HATE IT (some adore the rich creamy sweetness others cannot get past the smell) you have to try it to know Tips for a first timer try it FRESH and RIPE from a good seller (a bad or overripe one is worse) start with a SMALL amount (a segment or two) to see if you like it eat it outdoors or where the smell is fine (not in your hotel room durian is often not allowed indoors in hotels or on transport because of the smell) approach with an open mind (let the taste surprise you past the smell) have something to drink handy it is rich pair the experience with the other amazing tropical fruits too (the exotic fruit threads) So YES dare to try durian it grows here and is seasonal (good chance now and mid to later year ask locally) find it at FRUIT MARKETS and roadside stalls (let the seller pick and open a ripe one) eat the creamy custardy flesh off the seeds by hand brace for the powerful SMELL but the TASTE is rich creamy and sweet (truly love it or hate it) start with a small fresh ripe portion eat it outdoors not in your hotel and approach with an open mind it is a only in the tropics adventure worth braving
It grows here and is seasonal with a good chance now found at fruit markets and stalls where the seller picks and opens a ripe one and I eat the creamy custardy flesh off the seeds bracing for the powerful smell but the taste is rich and sweet so start small fresh and ripe and eat it outdoors not in my hotel this is exactly the brave the durian guide I needed thank you
I was terrified by the smell but the taste won me over it is like a rich sweet custard once you get past the aroma start with one segment as advised and you may be surprised it is now one of my odd holiday highlights though I understand why some cannot stand it
Do not eat it in your hotel room the smell lingers and many hotels ban it for good reason enjoy it at the stall or outdoors where the aroma can drift away and you can focus on the surprising creamy taste rather than offending the whole guesthouse
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