272. Durians Durians!

The durian season is here again! After having had dumplings, we will get to eat durians, a seasonal fruit. How? You will know when the durian season is here. Durian season is typically from the start of June to end of July or even till August. Singaporeans, the majority, loves eating the king of the fruit - Durian. Durian penyat, durian crepes, durian puffs, durian cakes, durian ice-kachang bla bla bla....they are all hot favourites.

Durians are available in the wet markets. Aunties and uncles went durian hunting in the forests where their old homes used to stand. And they proudly introduce "ah...my ah-gong planted this durian tree". So, now you know where to get the durians? These durians are selling at $6/kg at the markets. They do not come cheap as compared to their counterparts from Malaysia. Why? It is said chemical fertilisers were added to the durian trees to increase the durian reproduction. And this is probably why even when it is not the durian season, we are still able to get durians. It is also said prolonged consumption of the durians from Malaysia (source from plantation's boss) can lead to undesirable consequences. So, it is not a surprise that even at $6/kg, people are still willing to buy the durians.

As much as I love durian, I am not able to distinguish which grade do they belong to. D101, D24, Mao Shan durian bla bla....I have no clue at all. The durian gives an exquisite taste, it's either you hate or love it. The people who love durians said durian is fragrant and the people who hate durians said durian is pungent,overpowering and offensive.

A recent variety show aired on tv where the host, Mark Lee, treated Korean friend to durians received a comment that the durian smelled like foot. Reactions ranged from deep appreciation to deep disgust. I personally have a liking for durians of creamed-coloured pulp and of bitter-sweet taste. Durian is a high-glycemic food. Eat wisely else you'll get fat! Also, it is a heaty fruit. Some people will dissolve salt and water in the empty durian shell and drink it as a cooling drink.