2 Ways You Can Taste The World's Smelliest Fruit At Costco

What is durian, and why is it so smelly?

The durian fruit thrives in tropical rainforests, growing on trees that can reach heights of up to 130 feet. Each durian, which can be round or oval in shape, may weigh nearly 18 pounds. It features a thick rind and spiky exterior, making it challenging for beginners to handle. Inside, the fruit contains large yellow, fleshy pods known as pulp, which are the edible portions. These pods also house stones or sizable seeds that can be consumed when roasted or boiled. In Southeast Asia, durian is commonly enjoyed fresh or uncooked with sticky rice, incorporated into cakes and breads, dried and eaten like chips, or blended into ice cream.

Durian boasts a complex flavor profile that elicits strong reactions—people either love it or hate it. Its taste is often described as fruity and sweet, with hints of vanilla and caramel, yet it also has savory undertones reminiscent of onions or garlic. In 2020, German researchers published a study in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, revealing that the fruit's strong odor is linked to a rare amino acid called ethionine. Researcher Nadine Fischer explained to Science Daily, "Our findings suggest that as the fruit ripens, a plant-specific enzyme releases the odorant from ethionine." The fruit's potent smell has led to its prohibition on public transport in Singapore and in hotels across Thailand. While the aroma may be off-putting to those unfamiliar with it, many believe the taste makes it worthwhile.

Costco's international foods are a hit with shoppers

Fresh durian is not commonly found in most large grocery chains, making adventurous Costco members fortunate. However, this seasonal delicacy may not always be in stock at Costco and is typically available only in select regions, possibly limited to California, as noted on Reddit. Like other rare finds at Costco, you might need to visit multiple locations to locate the fresh fruit, but your chances of discovering durian ice cream during your Costco treasure hunt may improve.

In addition to popular items like their famous rotisserie chicken and in-house sushi platters (which are superior to those at other grocery stores), U.S. Costcos offer a variety of exotic fruits. For example, jackfruit, a tropical fruit often confused with durian due to its appearance (though it lacks the strong odor), has been spotted at the Issaquah, Washington Costco, according to Reddit. Other unique fruits available at Costco include dragon fruit, golden pears, coconuts, gold kiwi, mangosteen, and lychee.

Costco also features a range of international foods beyond fruit. For instance, Bibigo Korean dumplings and Bachan's Japanese barbecue sauce have gained popularity on Reddit. The company takes pride in providing a diverse selection of global cuisine, even hosting an international food event for customers to sample various dishes from around the world. As noted by Eat This, Not That!, Costco CEO Ron Vachris mentioned during a shareholder meeting, "One of the significant advantages of operating globally is the ability to bring international products to the U.S."