TASTE OF TOP DURIAN VARIETY IN MALAYSIA (Pt 1)

DURIAN IN MALAYSIA (Durio zibethinus) are one of the most popular fruit also known as 'King of The Fruits' locally. From my experience in agriculture sector for more than 35 years reported that thera are 85,366 hectares of durian grown in 2022 producing for 459,747 metrics tons of fresh fruit. According to Department of Agricuture Malaysia, the largest durian are grown in Johor about 19,766 ha producing for abouy 121,898 mt followed by in Pahang for 14,803 ha producing abour 107,386 mt and also Kelantan for 8,667 ha producing about 41,815 mt in 2022. There are more that 224 durian varieties registered under National Plant Variety Registration with the Department of Agriculture where I was involved in the process of making it last time. I also write almost 800 article about durian in "Anim Agro Technology'' blog in the past 15 years and read by millions. However, when it comes to every year's June to August durian season, When the “King Of Fruits” season rolls around, all types of durians from Malaysia go on display waiting to be savored. Truthfully, our love affair with the thorny fruit is unquenchable, and many are willing to drain their wallets and go to great lengths for their favorites. In the article "Anim Agriculture Technology" I would like to share some basic information about some premium or popular durian varieties in Malaysia for your consideration.

(1) MUSANG KING (D197)
This variety among the most popular durian in Malaysia or in the world. This Durian Musang King also known as Mao Shan Wang or MSW in which are similar to Durian Raja Kunyit before. For me I already tested the conventional fruit of durian musang king and organic fruit of durian musang king. Arguably for many durian lovers it was the most prestigious type of durian available in Malaysia and marketed ini Singapore, Indonesia and many other countries. Musang Kings are often grown in orchards largely in Raub, Pahang and many other states such as Johor and Pahang respectively. Its immense popularity is probably due to its rich taste and bright yellow-brown hue. Its creamy flesh leaves a lingering bittersweet taste on the taste buds. Its pyramid-shaped thorns and the star-shaped pattern at the base of the stem are the clearest giveaways. For me the flavour are Creamy and bitter-sweet in which the texture are butter-like thick flesh with the colour are Bright yellow.
 

2. Durian UDANG MERAH (D175)

This variety also known as Red Prawn Durian or Hong Xia Durian that was popular based in Pulau Pinang. The flesh of the Red Prawn is very different from other durians as it usually has an orange to red hue. The taste of this durian depends on the age of the tree on which it grew, with younger trees producing sweet fruit while older ones produced more bitter sweet fruit. The Red Prawn is closer to being a “dessert” than other types of durians in Malaysia. Creamy and rich, there’s an obvious absence of bitterness in the reddish flesh, but that’s replaced with memorable sweetness. The Red Prawn durian is characterised by its brownish colour as well as its short thorns that sprout far apart from each other. When I tested the fruit many times found that the flavour is sweet, the texture is creamy but can be slightly watery with the colour lokk like as red orange respectively.

3. DURIAN TEKKA (160)

This durian variety are also known as Durian Green Bamboo in which is also known as the Musang Queen and it comes on the tail of the Musang King’s reputation. However, Durian Tekka stands on its own for its consistent texture and bitterness although it doesn’t look like much. In terms of rarity among the types of durians in Malaysia, the Tekka is quite hard to come by so don't miss it when you come across it. Durian tekka reported mostly grown in Johor. For me after act as the Durian Festival Judge in Penang Durian Competition found that the flavour of Durian Tekka is bitter with overlaying tartness with the texture is moist and wrinkly and breaking easily. Their colour are pale and almost-white yellow with significance taste. There are few sequences article for this popular durian in Malaysia from Part 1 to Part 4 respectively. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(October 2023).

Updated in June 2026.