TASTE OF TOP DURIAN VARIETY IN MALAYSIA (Part 3)

DURIAN IN MALAYSIA (Durio zibethinus) are one of the most popular fruits also known as 'King of The Fruits' locally. From my experience in agriculture sector for more than 35 years reported that there are 85,366 hectares of durian grown in 2022 producing for 459,747 metrics tons of fresh fruit. According to Department of Agriculture 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 articles 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.

7. DURIAN BLACK PEARL
This durian variety for me is unique due to it names. This durian is identified by pale bijou seeds with the Black Pearl is one of the rarest durians on the market. It was reported to expect prices to be steeper than usual. But the price tag justifies the exquisite taste, according to fans of the fruit. Heavy in bitterness with a clear tinge of sweetness undercutting the aftertaste. The small seeds allow for more of its flesh to fill up the fruit. Besides its size, the short and stubby stem is often a giveaway of the Black Pearl and along with its pale-yellow flesh with grey undertones. With a flavour that is often described as subtly bitter with a milky aftertaste, it is a perfect choice for those not in favour of strong durian flavours. That time during a taste losts of durian variety competition in Johor I am able to evaluate this durian tatse. The flavour is bitter with some subtle sweetness and the texture is soft with the flesh colora look as pale yellow-white. From the Department of Agriculture record this variety mostly found in Johor.

8. DURIAN XO
For me the given name of this durian variety is unique that was 'XO' look like a brand for wines. If you prefer bitter and intense flavours then consumer and durian lover have to seek the XO that are a match made in heaven. When examining this durian it comes with a pale-yellow flesh that tends to seem watery in appearance, the XO’s flesh is distinctly bitter and has an alcoholic taste to it, a result of the fruit fermenting during its ripening stage. this durian featuring a brownish-green shell in which the XO durian often takes on an oval appearance with thorns pointed inward at the base of the fruit. when testing this variety, the flavor is bitter with an almost alcoholic taste, and the texture is soft and slightly watery with the flesh colour normally pale yellow-white. From DoA record this variety found in ohor and Pahang respectively. 

9. DURIAN D13
Years before there are report that this variety are easily mistaken as Red Prawns in whichh tjis D13 durian has deep orange flesh that’s mostly sweet with flavours of bitterness sprinkled throughout. When I was at the Segamat District Agriculture Officer in 2000 - 2004 each durian season I am able to get this durian variety. Most of thes durian variety popular in Segamat District and North Muar District respectively. For me the season of this durian variety and durian eaters may find this D13 variety overall appeal too mild and unsatisfying accordingly. By comparison in which the D13’s seeds are also larger than other styles of durian in Malaysia in which is offset by an affordable price tag. However, from the experience in which teh flavor of D13 is sweet with subtle bitterness and their texture is sticky and not fibrous. With the flesh color are red orange (see photo) this variety are less popular times to come. 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.