..It has attracted a cult-like following in Southeast Asia, but Westerners usually don't care much for its mild oniony flavour. Once cut open, this fruit also called durian gives off such a strong and foul odour that it's banned on Singaporean subways.
On the other hand Fiddlehead ferns are not odorous but some types if undercooked can be poisonous. Looking somewhat like the head of a violin or fiddle hence its name. Fiddlehead ferns are the uncoiled fronds that first emerges from the ground when a fern grows. Both these stranger than fiction foodstuffs can be found in Lori Alden’s, Cook’s Thesaurus. Though I can't claim to have any experience with Stinky Fruit...I did use Fiddlehead ferns half a dozen times during my stint in Washington. D.C.
Cook’s Thesaurus
Lori Alden’s, Cook’s Thesaurus is an interesting site that bravely tackles the almost endless list of edible ingredients we humans eat. Each of the 2,500 entries is accompanied by a clear photograph, and various names by which a specific foodstuff may be known around the world, to ensure you realise that, for example, Indian brown, German and Egyptian lentils are all exactly the same variety. This thesaurus is very useful in several ways. It can help you become more familiar with lesser-known ingredients. It also suggests substitutes, which is helpful if the ingredient is hard to find.
Special thanks to Lori for her kind permission in allowing me to use two of her photographs.
http://www.foodsubs.com/
2007-04-05 @ 10:36