During his stays in Malay Archipelago (1869) Wallace described “to eat durians is a new sensation, worth a voyage to the east to experience’.
The flesh is best when it’s ripe, though it can also be consumed at various stages of ripeness. The unripe fruit makes good vegetables. It is also used to flavour wide variety of SoutheaseAsian cuisines. The seeds can be eaten when cooked.
Durian is a spiky round or oblong husk containing pods in yellow custard-like fruit. The trees are tall and straight. Durians orchards are danger zones often covered with nets. As the fruit strikes a man in its fall is strong enough to kill.
The fruit emits a pungent distinctive odour, you either like it or hate it. It has a very unique character. Some regard it as pleasantly fragrant; others find the aroma disagreeable. The odour has led to the fruit’s banishment from hotels, airline cabin and public transportation.
It is no wonder Wallace the “father of biogeography” in the letter to Sir William Jackson Hooker stated – “If I had to fix on two only as representing the perfection of two classes, I should certainly choose the Durian and the Orange as the king and queen of fruits.”
Durian flower (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Durian flowers are usually closed during the daytime, I believe it is because the King needs more rest than others!
AddGrainOnEarth 
December 1, 2012 at 2:09 am
I love the durian. Thanks for all this information info.
December 1, 2012 at 2:26 am
no problem at all, this is my job!
December 1, 2012 at 4:12 am
To some, the smell of Durian can be offensive.
December 1, 2012 at 10:14 am
yes! because he is the king! 🙂
December 1, 2012 at 4:47 am
Yes I am proud to say that this remarkable man lived in Neath S. Wales and this is where I live.
December 1, 2012 at 10:17 am
oh! if happen a great man staying nearby, I feel good too! 🙂
December 1, 2012 at 9:24 am
Wow you remind me to buy the durians today Sydney 🙂
December 1, 2012 at 10:18 am
buy one for me! 🙂
December 1, 2012 at 3:21 pm
i love durian candy! haven’t seen an actual fruit though, i’m curious about the smell 🙂
December 1, 2012 at 7:14 pm
I bet you will be stunned by the smell! 🙂
May 1, 2013 at 7:38 pm
[…] 11) Who named the “King of Fruits”! […]
May 2, 2013 at 12:23 am
Thank you! 🙂