Sarawakians are familiar with the undisputed “King of Fruits”, the durian. The fruit enjoys extreme popularity among Malaysians but there are also those who are turned away by its pungent taste and aroma. But did you know that there is more than one way to enjoy eating “durian”?
 Durian |
During the flowering season, those tending to durian farms lay a large sheet of canvas or cloth under durian trees to collect and harvest fallen flowers.
| Picking durian flower , Durian flowers in the basket, Beautiful durian flower (Photo by Evangeline Thian) |
The flowers that are collected can be prepared in various ways and are used as the main ingredients in many local mouth-watering delicacies. They can be used in salads, stir-fried with various spices and herbs and incorporated into curries, among others.
Fried Durian Flower, Photo by Chong (Borneo Food Hunter) |
Those who dislike the strong smell and taste of the durian fruit need not worry as the flowers carry with them a faint fragrance of green grass instead.
Fried Durian Flower |
The flowers that remain on the trees would develop into mature durian fruits in approximately three to four months during the dry season, allowing durian fans to come together, rejoice and enjoy the fruits.