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Rodolfo Probst's avatar

Being your student in the 2014 Ant Course, this post truly hits home, Walter! I fondly remember eating my way through all the mangosteens, rambutans, longans (fittingly called dragon's eye), langsats, salaks, and tarap (a local relative of jackfruit with a fantastic creamy texture) at the market in Kota Kinabalu. I even tried sneaking a fresh durian into my hotel after the course - only to be swiftly stopped by the ever-watchful front desk staff. Thanks for sharing this note!

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Walter Tschinkel's avatar

Wow! I should have consulted with you to enjoy a greater variety of fruit! I did get rambutans and durian. Your bravery in trying to sneak a durian into your hotel is commendable.

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Mary Liz's avatar

As a former student from 1975-76, your writings always make me smile and remember why I love all parts of biology. Thank you for putting your writing and art out into the world. So many appreciate it!

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Walter Tschinkel's avatar

Mary, your comment made my day! Thanks for the lovely sentiment! Your encouragement will keep me posting.

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Dennis Howard's avatar

Wonderfully detailed drawing. Thanks for sharing!

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Walter Tschinkel's avatar

Thanks, Dennis!

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Bryan Pfeiffer's avatar

Can you describe their flavor and texture for us?

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Walter Tschinkel's avatar

Not that easy, really. Texture like a stiff custard but crisper, flavor moderately sweet, but not as sweet as wild persimmons, perfumey, but not as perfumey as gopher apple. Doesn't really help, does it?

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Bryan Pfeiffer's avatar

No, but I enjoyed it nonetheless! 😀

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Michael's avatar

Do they sell Mangosteens in the U.S.?

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Walter Tschinkel's avatar

Michael, I don't know, but certainly not here in the South. A web search reveals some sources in the US, presumably by mail order. If you get some, let me know. And remember, sharing is caring....

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Walter Tschinkel's avatar

I just checked online. You can get them, but they are a bit dear. From Miami, $27 each. Oy weh!

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