Columbia Encyclopedia entry: durian
Durian, the highly esteemed, edible fruit of Durio zibethinus. The edible portions are the seeds found inside the large spiny fruits, which may weigh several pounds. The durian, although notoriously pungently malodorous (a mildly scented variety has been developed), has an aril (an extra seedcovering) that tastes like a combination of banana, caramel, and vanilla, with a slight onion tang. The seeds may be eaten raw, roasted or canned. The durian is an important cash crop in Indomalesia, particularly as an exotic export to Europe and North America. Durian is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Malvales, family Bombacaceae.
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Wikipedia search results for: Durian
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The durian is the fruit of several tree species belonging to the genus Durio and the Malvaceae family . Widely known and revered in southeast Asia as the "king of fruits", the durian is distinctive for its large size, unique odour, and formidable thorn-covered husk. The fruit can grow as large as long and in diameter, and it typically weighs one to three kilograms. Its shape ranges from oblong to round, the colour of its husk green to brown, and its flesh pale yellow to red, depending on the species.
The edible flesh emits a distinctive odour, strong and penetrating even when the husk is intact. Some people regard the durian as...more »
