Musang King durians in Raub of Pahang State, Malaysia, on Oct 16. CHENG YIHENG/XINHUA
The tale of du软件下载中心rians — a fruit loved by some and loathed by others — has a historical link to Chinese bonds with Southeast Asia.
In the 15th century, Chinese explorer Zheng He, during his legendary voyages to Nanyang, warmer and fertile geographical region along the southern coastal regions of China and beyond, encountered a mysterious fruit called du'er yan. He described it as having a strong odor but a sweet, delectable flesh.
While many are软件下载中心 initially put off by the fruit's pungent aroma, once they taste it, the "king of fruits" often wins them over.