Spiky Fruit

I think rambutan look unappetizing for a few reasons. First of all, they're covered in spiky hairs that look like they might be sharp (they're not). Like this:

Image from http://www.djunadesign.com/dreamweaver_b/week4/hw4.html

And second of all, they're attached to pretty regular old tree branches. Like this:

 Third, once you get them open, they have a texture not unlike that of an eyeball. In fact, they kind of look like eyeballs. Like this:

But if you can get past the spiky eyeball appearance, they're actually quite tasty!

What's that SMELL?!

It's the durian, of course.  Having never heard of durian before moving to SE Asia, I was surprised to see it everywhere when I got here.  I was even more surprised to smell it everywhere.  It reeks.  It stinks of overly sweetness, like rot.  I think it has the aroma of a dead animal covered in birthday cake icing.  I mean, it's bad.  Naturally, I concluded that I must try it!

Spiky funky fruit
photo from www.timwu.org

We obtained some from a grocery store within walking distance- in Singapore, the stuff's been banned from public transport because of its stench.

Did it taste good?  You be the judge.


The real question is, would you rather eat one or be beaned in the head with one? As for me, I'd sooner take a blow to the head than another bite!