durian fruit

[Alice Harper]

I live in the Greater Kansas City Missouri area and can't find the Durian Fruit. I would like to experience it.
Any suggestions?
Alice

[Blissed]

Are there any asian food markets in your area? When I recently took a raw chef class, the instructor told us about frozen durians available at a local Asian market. Other than the coast lines, where they can probably get it fresh more easily, that may be your best option.

[karenisraw]

I've never seen Durian before. I live in the midwest (Minneapolis) I will try an Asian market.

[berrienoire]

Check out this link: durianpalace.com (http://www.durianpalace.com/). You can see what they look like and learn more about them :)

[raeannasun]

There aren't any frozen at our big Asian market, but there are some at our Farmer's Market in one of the International stores. You might check there if you have a Farmer's Market near you.

[rawredbone]

I've never seen Durian before. I live in the midwest (Minneapolis) I will try an Asian market.


karenamsell try Dragon Star it's located in St Paul on Minnehaha(sp) and Dale. That's were I get mine from

[RawTruth]

It may seem obvious, but you can see one and how it's opened by watching Alissa's DVD!!! ;)

p.s. It's not durian season right now, so don't expect greatness.

[karenisraw]

RawRebone - are durian expensive?

[maydolphin10]

i just tried one yesterday and um i dont love it or hate it, even though its supposed to be one of those kind of foods. its very interesting, i do love the texture- custardy, but not so much the very garlicky taste and of course the smell. but its sorta good i guess, just not my fav. it was very expensive, $1.19/lb weighing more than 7 lbs and most of it being a shell. still the experience is worth it.

[RawTruth]

It grows on you. The first time I saw one and smelled it, I was repulsed. Then, months later when a bunch of people were digging in (literally) and moaning in ecstasy, I reconsidered. It still smelled yucky, but, once I ate it -- it was really ripe and perfect, I thought it wasn't so bad. A few more times and ... stay outta my way if there's durian around. (I must say that I've had a few bad ones -- not so ripe where the fruit "pod" is partially soft and partially not -- and it would have set me off from them if that'd been my first taste.)

Anyway ... watch out, you may end up being a true fan!

[aisah]

my family used to call me Durian Queen when I was younger!!! :D I remember feeling very happy and in ecstasy each time I sink my teeth into those creamy luscious durian meat!! Such a sensational experience!! I feel elated.... always!!! mmmmm its an aphordisiac too!!! ;) you'll get pass the 'smell' in fact when you are totally raw, any natural fruit smell is a total turn on!!! :p mmmm

[mindelicious]

Let me know if you do find any!! I live in the Warrensburg area and go to KC to do my grocery/bulk shopping. I have never seen one either and would love to try them.

[maydolphin10]

ya it did grow on me actually. the second and third time i had it, the smell was gone so of course i could enjoy it more. the garlickyness was somewhat diminished too. i like it now!

[RowanC]

I'll box one up and ship it to you if you pay for it and the shipping.
Let me know..

[honeybee joy]

You can buy a durian in the Kansas City area at:

Hung Vuong Vietnamese Market 816-221-7754

It is located in the Kansas City City Market.

Just got one today!

[rawpriestess]

I've tried frozen Durian, and I didn't care for it, but then I hate avocados, so there you go.

[Denise Nicole]

I've tried frozen Durian, and I didn't care for it, but then I hate avocados, so there you go.

I seems we have something in common! :)

[honeybee joy]

I did not really like it eather. It might have been a bad one. I don't know. I will give it a try in the future, but for now I do not really like it.

[Secret Heart]

I tried it for the first time yesterday at a raw food potluck...I think the smell was what turned me off of it...the consistency reminded me of some sort of banana pudding. I think that because it's quite messy and the smell, I wasn't a big fan. I'm sure it has an excellent nutritional profile though. Here's a picture of one being opened yesterday.

[Secret Heart]

Oops...here's the picture.

[RawTruth]

Great picture. Makes my mouth water. Mine isn't ripe yet ... another few days. Dang!!

I wasn't wild about it at first, but sure am hooked now. Watch out - it may happen to you!

[heabrook]

Great picture. Makes my mouth water. Mine isn't ripe yet ... another few days. Dang!!

I wasn't wild about it at first, but sure am hooked now. Watch out - it may happen to you!

How do you tell if it is ripe?

[RawTruth]

Well -- first you want to buy a fresh one, not a frozen one (that's been thawed).

It shouldn't be green - it should be brown/tan.

It should be a bit soft when you press it (carefully since it's worse than a porcupine with its stiff barbs).

The best way to know is if it's split a bit -- usually at the end. That means the fruit pods inside are full and pushing against the shell.

It will QUITE aromatic, also.

Basically, if you have to use a knife to saw it open, it's not ripe.

Although - opening it is an art to learn, too, and some people use a knife even when it's ripe. If you look at the picture and the way the person's hands are, they've (probably - if they know how) started opening this section by pushing their fingers into the stem top and pulling the "seam" apart. Once you see it, you'll get it.