Food fears can occur with almost anyone, whether it’s your “allergy” to broccoli or your hatred of chocolate. It’s hard to look past the opinions that come along with certain foods, but once you do, you’ll be surprised to find what’s on the inside.
Bitter melon: the bitter yet savory oxymoron
My mom brought this green, puke-colored fruit home one day from the 99 Ranch Market. She was cutting it up into strips and I hesitantly picked one up. I felt like I could smell the bitter flavor as I held it up to my face and I tentatively bit into its crunchy exterior.
It tasted like 100% cacao dark chocolate, except ten times more bitter and without the creaminess of actual chocolate. I felt like barfing but after my mom stir-fried it with spices, it tasted salty and savory, and the bitter flavor was reduced to a tolerable level. Bitter melon is definitely not something to eat by itself, but the addition of a few spices can make a big difference. This spicy yet savory bittermelon dish will satisfy a stir-fry craving, replacing meat with a healthy vegetable. I recommend going to Golden House in Temple City if you would like to try some quality stir-fry bitter melon.
Stinky Tofu: the scent smelled across the restaurant
Stinky tofu, another pungent dish, tops the list of foods that several people are afraid to try. As the waitress brought it over, I was hit by a waft of something that smelled like body odor or an athlete’s foot after he comes home from practice. As she came closer and closer, I covered my nose because the smell of the stinky tofu was so overpowering. She set it down, and I was urged to get up out of my chair and bolt out the door. However, I stayed seated and willed myself to take a bite. I tasted a smooth, yet rich texture that was a pleasant surprise to my taste buds. It melted in my mouth like a salty pudding, and the vegetables on the side made a great addition.
Durian: the world’s stinkiest fruit
After asking an employee at 99 Ranch Market, I managed to obtain a slice of durian, also known as the stinkiest fruit in the world. I could smell it from about a foot away, and it smelled like petroleum gas to me. I gagged several times even as the helpful employee was handing it to me and I almost vomited in the nearby trashcan. However, when I bit into it, I was shocked. The fruit had a rich, creamy texture with tinges of pineapple and yogurt. I fell in love with the fruit once I pinched my nose to get past the smell. If you can will yourself to look past the horrible smell, or simply pinch your nose like I did, I recommend trying this fruit either by itself, or in an ice cream at an Asian market or the restaurant Green Island.