Writing in 1856, the British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace provides a much-quoted description of the flavour of the durian:
| “ | The five cells are silky-white within, and are filled with a mass of firm, cream-coloured pulp, containing about three seeds each. This pulp is the edible part, and its consistence and flavour are indescribable. A rich custard highly flavoured with almonds gives the best general idea of it, but there are occasional wafts of flavour that call to mind cream-cheese, onion-sauce, sherry-wine, and other incongruous dishes. Then there is a rich glutinous smoothness in the pulp which nothing else possesses, but which adds to its delicacy. It is neither acid nor sweet nor juicy; yet it wants neither of these qualities, for it is in itself perfect. It produces no nausea or other bad effect, and the more you eat of it the less you feel inclined to stop. In fact, to eat Durians is a new sensation worth a voyage to the East to experience. ... as producing a food of the most exquisite flavour it is unsurpassed.[22][a] | ” |
Quote from Wikipedia.
My Indonesian friends told me the 'saying' is no longer true, so for the sake of good neighborliness I'm taking it out - bisa aja pak!. Durian being an aphrodisiac has not been proven scientifically, so I better don't make any statement which can be construed as a claim. You will have to try it for yourself to find out.
DO NOT however, over indulge: too much of this fruit will overheat your body. Drink plenty of water if you do. Folklore has it that if you drink the water using the husk as a drinking 'cup' your body will not feel the heat. Again this has not been proven scientifically as far as I know.
It is not advisable to consume alcohol after eating durian.
Next: how to balance it all up...
