Have you ever pondered the puzzling question: “What tastes better than it smells?” This riddle has been stumping people for ages. The most common answer is, of course, your tongue. But let’s dive deeper into this conundrum and explore some surprisingly delicious foods that defy our olfactory expectations.
The King of Stinky Fruits: Durian
Picture this: you’re strolling through a bustling Southeast Asian market when a pungent odor assaults your nostrils. As you follow your nose to the source, you find a spiky, intimidating fruit—the mighty durian. Despite its notorious stench, which has been likened to everything from rotten onions to turpentine, durian is revered by many as the “king of fruits.”
Crack open its thorny exterior and you’ll discover a creamy, custardy flesh that tastes like heaven. With notes of caramel, vanilla, and even a hint of savory garlic, durian is a flavor sensation that belies its offensive odor. As the 19th-century British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace once proclaimed, “To eat durian is a new sensation worth a voyage to the East to experience.”
Funky Fromage: The Allure of Blue Cheese
Next up on our list of foods that taste better than they smell is the polarizing world of blue cheese. From pungent Roquefort to bold Gorgonzola, these veiny wonders can clear a room faster than a skunk at a picnic. But for cheese connoisseurs, the funkier the better.
The secret behind blue cheese’s signature aroma lies in the mold Penicillium, which gives it those distinctive blue-green veins and sharp, tangy flavor. When you let a bite of Stilton melt on your tongue, the initial assault on your senses gives way to a rich, creamy experience that’s hard to forget. Paired with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a drizzle of honey, blue cheese transforms from smelly to sublime.
Scandinavian Surströmming: A Fishy Delicacy
If you thought durian and blue cheese were adventurous, wait until you meet surströmming. This traditional Swedish delicacy is made by fermenting Baltic sea herring for months until it achieves a smell so potent, it’s often eaten outdoors to avoid stinking up the house.
But don’t let the aroma fool you—surströmming tastes much better than it smells. The fermentation process breaks down the fish proteins, resulting in a soft, tender texture and complex umami flavor. Served on buttered tunnbröd (thin bread) with boiled potatoes, chopped onions, and sour cream, surströmming is a beloved delicacy in Northern Sweden. Just remember to hold your nose when you open the can!
Natto: Japan’s Slimy Superfood
Last but not least, we have natto—a traditional Japanese breakfast dish made from fermented soybeans. Known for its sticky, slimy texture and pungent odor reminiscent of old socks, natto is definitely an acquired taste.
However, those brave enough to try it often find themselves pleasantly surprised. Beneath the mucusy exterior lies a nutty, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with rice and a dash of soy sauce. Plus, natto is packed with probiotics, fiber, and vitamin K2, making it a nutritional powerhouse. As the Japanese saying goes, “Natto a day keeps the doctor away!”
The Nose Knows, But the Tongue Tells
So there you have it—four foods that taste better than they smell, proving once again that appearances (and aromas) can be deceiving. From durian’s custardy goodness to surströmming’s fishy funk, these culinary oddities remind us to keep an open mind and an adventurous palate.
The next time someone asks you “What tastes better than it smells?” you’ll have plenty of examples up your sleeve. But remember, the real answer lies in the eye (or rather, the tongue) of the beholder. So go ahead, take a whiff, and dive in—you might just discover your new favorite flavor.