February 14, 2020

A Durian That Doesn't Smell

It's the Durian season!

The most incredible, most unique fruit.

This is Durian.

Part of the name (duri) comes from the Malay word, "thorn". It's exotic, spiky appearance is matched with a unique, pungent smell. But despite its smell, people love it and dubbed it the King of Fruits.

Those that grew up in Southeast Asia was raised eating this tropical fruit and even cook with it. Keeping in mind that there are echelons of durian; there are those which are highly prized where the seeds are small and the meat is large, and there are others where durians get a bad rep from.

So, how does it taste?

"A rich custard highly flavoured with almonds gives the best general idea of it. But there are occasional wafts of flabour that call to mind cream cheese, onion sauce, sherry wine, and other incongruous dishes. Then there is a rich glutinous smoothness in the pulp which nothing else possess, but which adds to its delicacy. It is neither acid, nor sweet, nor juicy, yet one feels the want of none of these qualities, for it is perfect as it is."
- Alfred Russel Wallace

Is this enough to spark your curiosity?

This beloved treat in Southeast Asia is said to be the blue cheese of fruit world; you will either hate it or love it! Singapore fashion designer, Afton Chen, Head Designer of local fashion brand, Reckless Ericka, has sketched original designs, with the fruit, flowers and leaves for the second iteration of her Singapore Food Series collection. The thorny fruit is transformed into 3 print designs that will delight anyone from both camps of the Durian divide. Artistically fusing food and fashion in her latest collection Part II: The Durian, her designs features:

Mao Shan Wang (猫山王, Maoshan King)

The Mao Shan Wang (also known as Cat Mountain King or Rajah Kunyit) print was inspired by this variety where the colour of the flesh is bright yellow. Durian connoisseurs love its signature bittersweet taste with its creamy and sticky texture.

Hong Xia (红虾, Red Prawn)

The Hong Xia (also known as Red Prawn) print was inspired by this variety where the colour of the flesh is orangey-red. The flesh tastes sticky with a sweet aftertaste.

Hei Zhen Zhu (黑珍珠, Black Pearl).

The Hei Zhen Zhu (also known as Black Pearl) print was inspired by this variety where the colour of the flesh is very pale yellow with grey undertones. The flesh tastes slightly bitter, smooth and creamy with small seeds.

The Singapore Food Series collection harmonizes food and fashion in our pieces, giving you a 'taste' of something local- A durian that doesn't smell.

Dig in!

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