TASTE OF TOP DURIAN VARIETY IN MALAYSIA (Part 2)

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 about 121,898 mt followed by in Pahang for 14,803 ha producing about 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.

4. DURIAN D24
This durian variety among the earliest popular durian in early years of clonal durian industry grown in Malaysia. For me this durian are the best durian in their ages long before. This durian variety are close rival to the Musang King in which at certain area and local the D24 durian is also sometimes called the ‘Sultan’ or the ‘D24 Sultan’. Actually, for me interestingly, the D24 used to occupy the bestseller spot in the 1990s before the Musang King was introduced into the market. The D24 is said to be subtler than the Musang King, but also shares a creamy texture and is often a good pick to introduce to durian newbies. Aside from its yellowish-green flesh, the relatively short stem of the D24 and the obvious brown ring. For me the flavor of D24 is mostly bitter with hints of sweetness and alcohol with its texture is robust, firm, and thick. Can be a little dry at times as their colour are pale yellow (See picture). This D24 durian mostly grown in the state of Johor, Pahang and Cameron Highlands in Pahang respectively.

(5) DURIAN HAJJAH HASMAH (D168)
This durian variety are also known asa Durian D101 with the registration number is D168 (not D101). This varie is mostly grown in Muar, Johor in which normally the D101 will combines the taste of bitterness, sweetness, and fibrous flesh into a delectable treat. It’s the perfect durian to satisfy your cravings without feeling the guilt, which also makes it accessible for elderly and young children! As the flesh is firmer than other types of Malaysian durians, it falls off the seed easily, so you don’t have to worry about making a mess. For me the flavour of durian D101 is bitter-sweet with the texture is fibrous and firm and their colour look as yellow with subtle orange tones. Other than Johor it was reporrted grown in Penang and Perak.

 

6. DURIAN GOLDEN PHOENIX

this variety also known as Durian Jin Feng in which mostly grown in Johor and Pahang respectively. Not many durian growers like to grow this variety due to certain technical aspect. If the Red Prawn Durian able to caters for those with a sweet tooth, then the Golden Phoenix with its needle-like thorns so called the nature’s gift to those hankering for something bitter. The pale and watery yellow flesh can sometimes be mistaken to be rotten, but there’s no mistaking the strong scent that follows this durian type (See photo). However due to its small size, many growers and consumer are forgiven for not realising that this is a durian at first glance with some specimens even mimicking the size of a regular mango. Normally this the Golden Phoenix dueian able to offer a substantial amount of flesh in which often earning it a reputation for being value-for-money. For me after testing this durian variety found that the flavour is bitter but occasionally sweet with the texture of less creamy with a watery texture. This flesh colour is pale yellow white. There are few sequence 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.