An Indonesian variety of the durian –a strong-smelling, spiky fruit considered a delicacy across many parts of Asia- has been sold in a store on the island of Java for a hefty U$1,000 per fruit.
The “J-Queen” durian was selected by a panel of farmers in a region of central Java because it was deemed to have a special taste and texture, a farmer who grew the fruit. Two of the rare durians, which were displayed in a perspex case in a store in Tasikmalaya in the neighboring province, were sold for 14 million rupiah ($1,000) each.
Sometimes described as smelling like an open sewer or turpentine when ripe, durian are banned in some airports, public transport and hotels in Southeast Asia.
