The tale of durians — 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 initially put off by the fruit’s pungent aroma, once they taste it, the “king of fruits” often wins them over.
Fruitful friendship
