TEN LOCAL FRUIT THAT POPULAR IN MALAYSIA (Pt 1)

THERE ARE MORE THAN 29 local fruit that normally grown commercially or traditionally in Malaysi for all to enjoy during the fruit season. I enjoyed many local Fruits of Malaysia since than as an agronomist expert on many crops. Actually not only in Malaysia as a popular tourist destination well-known for its sandy beaches, balmy weather and amazing food, but owing to its location near the equator and lots of rainfall throughout the year, the tropical climate creates the perfect setting for the flourish of sweet, juicy and succulent fruits. Some local fruits are seasonal, while others are also easily available throughout the year. We have durians, mangoes, rambutans, pomelo, langsat and mangosteen which appear seasonally. Non-seasonal fruits which can be enjoyed the whole year round are fruits like papaya, guava, pineapple and banana. However, these local fruits are generally inexpensive and can easily be available at the local supermarket, night market, roadside stall, anywhere during their peak season. For me if you are a tourist visiting Malaysia for the first time here is a handy list for you to have your first introduction to Malaysian fruits to enjoy anf try. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I will share my knowledge about 10 most popular local fruits in Malaysia for this matter.


(1) DURIAN

For me durian (Durio zibethinus) and known as 'The King of Fruits' are the prestigous fruit for premium varieties selected. There are also sub quality durian varietis in Malaysia known as 'Durian Kampong'. Many people generally fall into two camps when it comes to the King of Fruits and those who love it and those who hate it. The size of a football and it has a strong, distinctive odor and is dubbed as the King of Fruits given its regal, thorny appearance. Durians are considered to be one of the most expensive local fruits in the market. There are said to be around 34 popular varieties of durian that can be found in Malaysia; the most popular being Musang King and D24. A good durian should have a strong fragrance and thick, fleshy meat which is a little creamy, a little sweet, and a little bitter. Prices can range from RM15 to RM60 per kilogram in which it depending on the species and season. The high price and premium durian variety in Malaysia including Durian Musang King, Durian Duri Hitam, Durian Tembaga and many others. However most public transportation and hotels do not allow durian on their premises for obvious reasons. If durian is your love and must check out this list of stalls that offer a durian fresh fruit during the season. 

2. MANGOESTEEN

Mangoesteen (Garcinia mangostana) are known as 'The Queen of Fruits' due to it characteristic. The Mangosteen is dubbed as Malaysia’s queen of fruits, perhaps because it is available during the durian season and is often eaten during or following a durian feast. Its appearance also lends a suggestion as to why it is called the queen of fruits its top looks like the crown of a queen. This fruit is made up of its firm, purple outer rind with a leathery texture and the white edible flesh on the inside which is segmented like oranges. The best mangosteens have flesh which is extremely sweet. The price for mangosteens is around RM8 per kilogram on average. It has been reported that there are many health benefits of the mangosteen fruit and as such, it is easy to see why it is a popular local fruit. Prevention of cancer, the lowering of cholesterol, the control of blood pressure are some of the benefits of eating mangosteens in abundance.

3. RAMBUTAN

RAMBUTAN (Nephalium lappaceum) are considered the popular local fruit since than. Rambutan as fruit that is closely related to the lychee and even has a similar appearance, is the rambutan. It has a hairy outer which explains how its name came about how it originates from the Malay words 'rambut' or the meanin as 'hair' and hutan (jungle). But once you peel away the hairy exterior of this sweet fruit, you get a delicious, fleshy fruit similar to the texture of a grape which is instantly refreshing. Largely available between the months of May to December, the average prices for this fruit are from RM4 to RM7 per kilogram. There are many premium rambutan variety in Malaysia such as Rambutan Anak Sekolah, Rambutan Gading, Rambutan Gua Batu and the latest breed by MARDI known as Rambutan Mutiara Wange released on 2018 (see above photo). This article devided in three segment (3) that was Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 respectively. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Agronomist Expert,

Melaka,

Malaysia.

(September 2024).