30 May 2006

Close encounters of the Durian kind


I've had a few helpings of durian in the past. But it was not the actual fruit. It came as candies and sweets as pasalubong. True to its smelly reputation, even the candied variety has the unique ability to make my officemates' noses twitch. Inspite of that, I did like the candies.

I did not think much about having durian in Davao. In fact, I was even 50% looking forward to it in the first few days. But the build-up of this treat, like it was an event all by itself, made me feel cautious as the dinner to Em's place neared.

So I was glad to have a durian product first before the actual fruit. After one of our hearty dinners, went to Blugre', a local coffee shop that offered Durian coffee. Hmmm... intriguing. Everybody except the locals in our group ordered this concoction. Cheers!
It smelled and tasted ok. It actually tasted more like coffee with a hint of durian candy. I was enjoying my cup when I felt a pulpy consistency when the cup when I was four-fifths done. Intrigued, I slurped the remaining pulps, munched, and swallowed.

I was perspiring soon enough. It was very uncomfortable. I don't know if it was the remaining coffee that had a concentration of sugar and cream that hit me (I perspire profusely when I eat candies and sweets), or the power of the durian itself. At any rate, the group had a field day about my sweating session. Aaaargh.
When we visited Princess Em's house for dinner, I was delighted not to see any trace of durian on the table. Just watermelons and mangoes. But when everybody was already contentedly finishing up the remaining seafood tidbits on their plate, some yellow, roundish things were served on the table.

Everybody stared at me, with smiles on their faces.

One of our companions (a local) took some and took huge bites. "This bright yellow variety is the best one!" he declared. It would be foolhardy to refuse because it might offend the host, so I took one. So did our other companions, who haven't had durian before too.

It's best served refrigerated, so I took a moderate-sized lump, ready for this challenge. After the others took a bite off their smaller portions, I had mine. It had the consistency of soft ice cream. But the taste ... I cannot quite place it. It's difficult to describe. But I knew then and there that it will take a while for me to finish off my piece. It was not that wierd actually, but I can tell you it's no orange or pineapple or watermelon either.

After some time, I finally laid down the seed on my plate. When asked if I wanted another, I respectfully declined. Incidentally, I did not sweat profusely as with the coffee version, though I read in wikipedia that durian does cause sweating.

It was a unique experience for me. I'm not picky with my fruits. I even chomp down on an occasional chesa, the yellowish fruit that I'm not really fond of. But the durian is quite something. It must be an acquired taste.

I think I will settle for the candies for now. But if the occasion calls for it, I will take the challenge and eat a lump. Hope it will come fresh from Davao, though :-).

12 comments:

  1. it is indeed an acquired taste. and im proud to tell you that in just two tries (the first was a horrible experience), i was able to acquire the taste. try again!

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  2. hmmm is it safe to say that only me and my mom doesnt eat durian (fruit version) in our family?

    shhhh

    p.s.
    hope you feel better now :p

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  3. I like durian pero hindi ako yung nagbabalat...hehehe di ko kaya yung amoy.

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  4. until now, i still haven't eaten a durian fruit, and i don't intend to. the candy i like, though i'm sure there are other ingredients there that make me like it, hehe.

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  5. hindi ko talaga kayang kumain nyan kuya nick!

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  6. hi watson...properly written about your experience eating durian.. congratulations.. you deserve an award.

    so, this is the last chapter of your davao escapade?

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  7. Hello Em! Firstly, a huge THANKS for making our stay in Davao a pleasant one.

    Meron pa sana akong isang post. Mga outtakes and blooper photos pero naunahan mo ko hehehe!

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  8. Hi Owen. I will look forward to the second time. I think. hehehe

    Hello Balikbayan! Hindi nga... di mo type lasa?

    Hi Ann! Strangely enough, di ako nakakita ng durian na may balat pa. Madalas kasi kami na nasa loob ng buildings o kaya sa clothes shops. Mukhang bawal dun ang durian.

    Hi Vina, paano kung nasa Extra Challenge ka tapos yun ang kakainin? 1 million pesoses ang premyo :-)

    Hi jairam. Na-try mo na rin?

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  9. They spoke of the durian while I was down in Davao. I'd never heard of it. If I have to acquire a taste for it, I think I'll pass. Pakwan and manga are my favs. I guess I'm a culinary lightweight. So be it.

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  10. hmm.. baho yan! hehehe... watson... naiinggit ako sa mga posts mo. why did you guys leave me? why?

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  11. hi watson-- hahaha..sige i-post mo yung mga blooper pics natin..im sure mas marami sa yo...hahaha...

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  12. Anonymous5:53 pm

    Sana you tried the durian fruit. That's also very good, and refreshing. :D

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