The durian is a widely known fruit in Southeast Asia and I’m sure you have seen it or smelled its very distinct odor if you’ve traveled through Southeast Asia. This is a love or hate type of fruit. Its exterior thorn covered husk in addition to it’s odor is enough for some people to walk the other way while for others, it’s a hidden gem where they devour and savor each bite. Anthony Bourdain, while a lover of durian, says “Its taste can only be described as…indescribable, something you will either love or despise. …Your breath will smell as if you’d been French-kissing your dead grandmother.”

I’m not sure how a fruit can smell and taste so repulsive but those who enjoy this fruit must have lost these two senses somewhere along the way. There are so many warnings that some humans are too stubborn to ignore.

1. It’s stinky, extremely STINKY!
2. It tastes…well, put bluntly…disgusting.
3. Its exterior spikiness is there to tell you to “stay away!”
4. It’s banned on mass transit in Singapore
5. It’s banned in most major hotels in Southeast Asia

The durian was a fruit that just wanted to be left alone but people still chose to pursue it. So if you’re a pursuer, don’t say I didn’t warn you!