FOOD & CUISINE
Durian Pasalubong Haus by Josie D. Cartago, contact # s 082-3008118 and 0917-7211130) As if my durian hunt was not enough, I encountered more of Davao’ s durian blends from Minco’ s durian bar found in local supermarkets which comes in a pack of 12, durian otap – much like the Cebu-famed otap with the same flaky-crunch but having a mildly scent of durian. The aftertaste was durianaroma all over my mouth. Last but not the least is the durian piaya mixed with flour, sugarcane syrup, sesame seeds, margarine and calamansi the durian piaya was quite a revelation. Hesitant at first that I only bought 1pack of three, now I have been craving for this for several months and constantly top my list to buy not as a pasalubong but for my own personal consumption.
As I am primed to taste an unadulterated fresh pulp, after having lunch in downtown Davao City, I walked to the nearest fruit stand. A block away, I could smell a fragrant scent like no other, it was intoxicatingly addicting that I found myself sniffing the wonderful air as I come close to mountains of neatly arranged fresh Durian ready for my curious taste buds. Unlike Manila supermarkets that would cost Php200 or more a piece,
Davao City’ s abundance of Durian made the difference thus only costing Php45 a kilo or even less. My enthusiasm heightened as the Durian vendor continuously strikes the thick and thorny husk. After several attempts, the fresh yellow-cream flesh peaks from an Arancillo-kind durian, the aromatic smell continue to mask the air and I was salivating amidst this heavenly masterpiece. The fresh pulp was buttery-smooth and delicate to touch, the experience was surreal. I could not get past the sense of touch that I became hesitant when I was about to eat the flesh. At the tip of my tongue, I managed to lick the soft pulp. It was sweet, somehow pleasant, extraordinary. Nothing seems to taste like it. The verdict to my durian mission, this fruit is exemplary beyond compare. Though savory dishes made with durian are much practiced in other Asian countries, the red durian is mixed with onions and chili and used as a side dish in Malaysia while blocks of durian paste combined with pumpkin is sold in the wet-markets of Thailand, Davao’ s sweet temptations are definite palate-pleasers. Durian’ s versatility is a testament for calling this the King of Fruits. •
Davao City’ s abundance of Durian made the difference thus only costing Php45 a kilo or even less.
7107 ISLAND TRAVEL 87