Why can’t we all just get along? Because of the durian. This gigantic, bumpy green fruit invented divisiveness. People who love the fruit call it aromatic and flavorful, while haters liken it to gym socks, paint thinner, and garlic. Mmmm … There is no polite middle ground for Southeast Asia’s “king of fruit.” Some Asian hotels prohibit guests from eating durian in their rooms. On Church Avenue, one store was bursting with durians, but other greengrocers didn’t stock them. The other thing to know about durians in the US is that they are not an inexpensive pleasure. A $10 durrian would be considered inexpensive.
UPDATE: Commenters Ann and Tog this might be JACKFRUIT, not durian, and after looking at some pictures, I think I’m in agreement. Jackfruit is smoother and probably tastier. After work, I’ll go and do some research, maybe take a picture or two.
Pix and other images 
Interesting. These look like what we call the Jackfruit. I’ve never tasted it. I just can’t get past the smell. But so many people love it, smell and all!
Your picture looks like jackfruit. They can grow in south Florida and a small amount gets to the market. The durian is a more round fruit with more pointed spikes. The jackfruit is sweet and it smells very nice. I have grown both durian and jackfruit in Coral Gables. The jackfruit grew well but the durian died after 3 years. I don’t know anyone growing durian in Florida at this time.
I heard durian smell from far away. I never had one though. I would try it.
Hello.
For having 3 jackfruit trees in our garden in Thailand, my wife is absolutly sure that the specimens on your photograph are jackfruits and not durians.
You can see one of our garden here :
http://digitalshootingdotnet.wordpress.com/
By the way, I like your pictures of Brooklyn. Gives a real view of this part of the city.
Hey do you know where those jackfruit are sold?
I have been looking for jackfruit in NYC, for years.
Can you reply with the address for those fruits.
Thanks!
These jackfruit were from a store on Church Avenue between Dahill and McDonald. I haven’t seen them stacked outside recently, though … I have no idea when they are in season. I’ll keep my eyes open for other vendors.