It was a real “gas-querade.” Residents of a small town in the UK sounded an alarm after smelling what they thought was a gas leak, only to discover that the stench was actually coming from the “world’s smelliest fruit”…….durian. Durian is a delicacy throughout Southeast Asia, but most people are put off by its pungent, sulfurous smell. In fact, it’s so odorous that it’s banned from public transportation, hotels and other public spaces in Southeast Asia. Those who can stomach the odor say it has a flavor that’s a mix of cheese, nuts and fruit. “I knew it smelled bad, but I didn’t think it would bring the gas board out,” said Andrew Simpkins, owner of Strong's Fruit and Vegetable shop in Lytham, Lancashire, where the fruit was offered for sale. An engineer from Cadet Gas Company was dispatched to the store to check out the report of a gas leak, but store employees were confused because they didn't report it. The engineer next went to a thrift store next door, and then to a body shop on the other side of the street. After going back to Strong's, the employees realized it was the durian that was giving off the gas-like odor. The engineer left, after which the employees had a good laugh. Simpkins said he finally decided to try the durian himself and found that it actually has a very pleasant taste……if you can just get past the smell.
