FREEZE

WHEN our family arrived in Davao City in 1975, I noticed a lot of t-shirt print designs and posters about the fruit called durian. “Smells like hell but tastes like heaven” was the popular line to describe the so-called king of fruits but it was more like king of stink to a newcomer. But once the taste buds and the olfactory system get used to its offensive smell, Durian could become addictive. DURIAN. Durian is a tropical fruit distinguished by its large size and spiky, hard outer shell. It has a smelly, custard-like flesh with large seeds. There are several varieties, but the most common one is Durio zibethinus. The fruit’s flesh can range in color. It’s most commonly yellow or white, but can also be red or green. Durian grows in tropical regions around the world, particularly in the Southeast Asian countries . Durian is used in sweet and savory dishes. Both the creamy flesh and seeds are edible, though the seeds need to be cooked. The flavor is described as tasting like cheese, almonds, garlic, and caramel all at once. It is also used in traditional medicine and has some medicinal properties that are currently being studied. Durian is a very nutritious fruit that’s rich in fiber, B vitamins, vitamin C, and various healthy plant compounds. Durian contains compounds that may prevent alcohol from being fully metabolized, causing symptoms like nausea and vomiting (healthline.com). Durian is one of the most sought after fruits by the locals and many adventurous tourists during the Kadayawan thanksgiving season – which is just around the corner. Of course, there are numerous fruits that are available in Davao City here are some yummy treats from nature that are strongly associated with Kadayawan.