Would you dare try the world's stinkiest fruit?

You may or may not have heard about the stinkiest fruit on the planet, but regardless, prepare yourself for a journey into the fascinating world of durian, the fruit that's both loved and feared in Southeast Asia!

This marvel of nature, often called "the king of fruits," is a delicacy that comes with a peculiar caveat: it smells like sweaty socks!

Yes, you heard that right. The durian's aroma has been compared to everything from turpentine and raw meat to garbage, raw sewage, and the essence of a high school gym locker room!

According to Smithsonian magazine, the smell of the durian fruit is so potent that it's been banned from public transit, airports, and even hotels in various countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand. Imagine the chaos if someone were to eat one in an elevator!

Unsurprisingly, durian remains an acquired taste, especially in the United States. Most people only know about durian because of its infamous stench, but it's actually a beloved snack in China and Southeast Asia

But, what exactly is durian, and why does it smell so bad? And more importantly, why do people still love it despite its olfactory offenses?

Durian is a fruit native to southern China and Southeast Asia. Picture a large, spiky, brown-green orb that you crack open to reveal the treasure within.

Beware, though, for its spikes are sharper than most a durian enthusiast's wit, and according to Smithsonian magazine, there have even been recorded cases of durian-related deaths.

If you manage to crack a durian open and are still alive, inside this formidable fortress you will find a thick, custardy flesh that envelops sizable seeds reminiscent of avocado pits.

The color of the durian's flesh ranges from red to golden yellow, but it mostly sports a pale yellow hue. And don't forget, this noble fruit can cost you a pretty penny, with prices reaching a jaw-dropping $20 to $30 per pound!

Now, let's address the elephant in the room, or rather, the sweaty sock in the fruit bowl. What does durian smell like? Brace yourself for a sensory experience like no other.

Most Westerners describe the smell of durian fruit as an assault on the senses, comparing it to a strange mix of rotten eggs and body odour mixed in with a fruity perfume. Yikes.

Surprisingly, not everyone finds the aroma repugnant. For many who live in Asian countries who adore this snack is simply the scent of fruit stalls in their homeland.

But what causes this devilishly distinctive smell? A scientific study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry titled, 'Characterization of the Major Odor-Active Compounds in Thai Durian' unravelled the durian's aromatic secrets.

The study's authors discovered a mind-boggling 44 different scent-producing chemical compounds in the fruit. Three of these compounds were so unique that they had never been found in any other natural product.

While the smell of durian fruit may be a real potpourri of fragrances that could send you running for the hills, what does such a smelly fruit taste like?

Well, if the foul smell has put you off trying the fruit, fear not because the durian's flavor is far more appealing than its aroma.

I was lucky enough to taste this fruit with a friend from Hong Kong many moons ago, and the taste is very complex, and it does not compare to any other fruit.

Once you get past the stench, durian fruit tastes kind of like a tropical fruit with floral notes similar to a lychee but with a funky, almost brie cheese-like twist. The flesh itself is thick and custardy, with a pulpy texture which makes it very unique.

Interestingly the flavor of durian even varies within the fruit itself! The pulp near the seeds offers a different experience from the outer regions. It's like a fruit that keeps surprising you with every bite.

Now, for those residing in the United States or Canada, don't worry, you can try the fruit also. Durian is not an outlawed fruit, and you can find it on American and Canadian soil.

However, be prepared for some discrepancies. The durian you encounter in North America may not be as fresh as the ones savored in Southeast Asia.

Durian is definitely a food adventure; you should try it, even if it comes wrapped in a stinky package. It's a fruit that defies expectations and divides opinions.

So, if you dare, take a bite of the notorious king of fruits. It's a journey you won't soon forget, whether you end up joining the durian fan club or retreating to the safety of more fragrant fare.