Durian, the spiny fruit

Jepara, Indonesia

The beach town of Jepara is a world reknown center of furniture manufacturers. The furniture which mostly made of teak wood are sold all over the world. Find the label that says: Made in Indonesia, and you can trace the products back to the town of Jepara where the furniture was originated, carved, polished, and packed for shipping.

But beyond the known furniture business, the town has been known locally as the town for durians, the spiny fruit the size of a coconut which comprises of 5 compartments inside, each bears a croissant-shape fruit with texture that resembles custard, and the aroma that is so distinctively "durian". Many of us are crazy about the fruit because of the smell, and so many hate it because of the smell. So, here is the key to positively introducing it to your friends (if you love the fruit yourself): The smell is fragrant, and the taste is so delicious. In saying so, you will be demonstrating that you truly love durians. Better yet, if you have supporters who eat durians with you at the time of introduction.

For those of you who still resist on trying, once you can get beyond the smell, you will find that the taste is truly delicious. Sometimes it tastes like custard, but sometimes it's so rich it tastes like cheese cake. I have been a durian fan since I was 5, and recently at 50 years of age, I am told that I am not a durian fan until I find RED DURIAN and experience the taste of it. So, my husband and I decided that it will be our next adventure. We have been researching possible islands in the archipelago where we might find the rare species.