Chapter 1
The spiked king of the canopy
Chapter 2
The science of the stink
Chapter 3
A taste of the crown
Chapter 4
Durian mania and oddities
YOUR GOAL
Master of The stinky secrets of the durian king
Ch 2 · The science of the stink
misslily Durian Scent Chemistry
Only two! (Only two!) Sweet fruit and onion make the stinky king!
misslily Transit systems in Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur ban durians, with Singapore's MRT posting No Durian signs and
misslily Repetitive pop art prints show the spiky durian fruit in vibrant, saturated colors.
Fun Fact
Chemical twins: The durian's smell is partly caused by ethanethiol, the exact same chemical compound that makes rotting onions stink.
Glossary
ethanethiol (noun)
A colorless, volatile liquid with a strong, offensive odor that is used as an additive to odorless gases. In 2020, German scientists discovered that this compound is produced as the spiky Southeast Asian fruit ripens.
A colorless, volatile liquid with a strong, offensive odor that is used as an additive to odorless gases. In 2020, German scientists discovered that this compound is produced as the spiky Southeast Asian fruit ripens.
Quiz
Which two aroma notes combine in the minimal chemical recipe to recreate the durian fruit's scent?
Quiz
What chemical element is responsible for the "rotten egg" and "onion" notes in a durian's smell?
Quiz
How many distinct odor-active compounds have scientists identified in the durian's aromatic profile?
Quiz
What natural material is sometimes placed in Asian plane cabins to help absorb and neutralize the smell of durians?
Quiz
What is the maximum fine in Singapore Dollars for carrying a durian on the MRT public transit system?
Quiz
Which of these public places in Southeast Asia is MOST likely to have a "No Durian" sign at the entrance?