What does durian taste like

The taste of durian is similar to that of ripe jackfruit, mangosteen pulp, cheese and some fermented foods, but the unique smell combination of durian is rare in fruits.

The strong sweet smell of durian is the closest to that of tropical fruit jackfruit. Both of them contain high concentrations of volatile sulfur compounds, which will produce a complex odor similar to caramel mixed with onion during ripening. The two are often called sisters fruits locally in Malaysia, but the smell intensity of durian is usually several times higher. The milky white slurry near the core of the mangosteen flesh has a creamy texture and a slightly astringent aftertaste similar to durian, but the overall scent of mangosteen is lighter. Some European diners describe durian as having a fermented flavor similar to blue cheese or Parmesan cheese, which is related to esters such as ethyl butyrate in durian flesh. Traditional fermented foods in Southeast Asia, such as Indonesian tempeh, also have ammonia volatilization characteristics similar to durian, but durian has a higher level of aroma. At first smell, it may present a rotten onion flavor, which turns into a honey like sweet aroma after consumption, with a nutty and vanilla finish. This dynamic change is less common in other foods. For first-time users, it is recommended to start experiencing frozen durian, as low temperatures can reduce the release of volatile odor substances. Eating durian in combination with coconut milk and glutinous rice can neutralize irritating odors and avoid exacerbating odor perception when consumed with alcoholic beverages. People who are sensitive to sulfides can choose milder smelling varieties such as Maoshan Wang, and rinsing their mouth promptly after consumption can reduce residual oral odor.