Looking for a fruit from Thailand but...

[CRUZMISL]

I can't remember the name. The only thing I can remember is the interior is like a custard. Anyone know what it's called and where I can find it?

Thanks,

Joe

[Chad]

Are you thinking of the infamous stinky Durian?

Also see Durian, tried it yet? Vomited yet?

Chad

[Mudpuppie]

I'm thinking that if it was durian, you would have mentioned the stench before the texture.

Is it maybe a custard apple?

[McDuff]

How about mangosteens?

[mudbug]

Remember what it looked like or how big it was?

Look at pictures here:

Custard Apple

Annona Muricata

Mangosteen

Garcinia mangostana

Durian

Bombacaceae

[BettyK]

Custard Apple

Annona Muricata

I think custard apple is 'Annona reticulata' as per Mudpuppie's link (instead of Annona Muricata).

Different animal

[BettyK]

Could it be Cherimoya? They are one of my favorite fruits.

[CRUZMISL]

Thanks for all the replies. It is a Durian. As always, I can rely on the gullet for knowledge. Anyone know where I can find some in the US?

Thanks,

Joe

PS Based on the reports I'm not sure I want to try it again but what the hell....

[JC]

Mmmm... durian. A perennial favourite here in Malaysia. We often say it "smells like hell, tastes like heaven". One of the best local varieties is called D24. Thai durians are also very nice.

[jpyvr]

It is a Durian. Anyone know where I can find some in the US?

I don't know if the situation in the US is the same as here in Vancouver, but right now durians are widely available here in Asian produce and grocery stores. There's a chain of Asian supermarkets here (think Safeway) called T&T and I saw a giant pile of them there last weekend. Because they're not cut or opened, the smell wasn't overwhelming, but it was definitely "there."

BTW, after taking many years to build up the courage to try eating durian, I was amazed to find out that it IS true that the taste has nothing to do with the smell. Since smell is such an integral part of taste, I still don't know how that works. In any case, do give one a try if you have the opportunity.

[Pan]

I wouldn't say the taste has nothing to do with the smell.

[Mizzy]

this place, Jungle Jim's in the Cincinatti area always carries Durian (and any sort of exotic produce or packaged food you could possibly want). the website is:

http://www.junglejims.com/

[mudbug]

Custard Apple

Annona Muricata

I think custard apple is 'Annona reticulata' as per Mudpuppie's link (instead of Annona Muricata).

Different animal

BettyK

"mudbug".... not "mudpuppie"... LOL!

;)

Thanks for pointing that out. The proboblem is that in different cultures, there will be different common names for the same plant. "Custard Apple" can refer to several different cultivars of plants. And yes, I believe you are correct in that Annona reticulata would be the most commonly referred to plant when discussing the "Custard Apple".

Custard Apple is, however, a common name for 'Annona muricata'

Annona muricata: small tropical American tree bearing large succulent slightly acid fruit

Annona reticulata: small tropical American tree bearing a bristly heart-shaped acid tropical fruit

Annonaceae Family:

Annona cherimola = Cherimoya

Annona cherimola x squamosa = Atemoya

Annona crassiflora = Marolo

Annona diversifolia = Ilama

Annona glabra = Pond Apple

Annona montana = Mountain Soursop

Annona muricata = Soursop, Custard Apple

Annona palmeri

Annona paludosa

Annona purpurea = Soncoya

Annona reticulata = Custard Apple

Annona salzmanii

Annona scleroderma = Poshe-te

Annona sericea

Annona senegalensis = Wild Custard Apple

Annona squamosa = Sugar Apple

CRUZMISL,

Do you have any ethnic groceries in your area? Try an Asian Grocery store. If you don't see any, be sure to ask. They are usually very good about filling customer requests.

Or you can try contacting the Durian Website. They may know of distributors in your area.

Edited February 11, 2004 by mudbug (log)