Here are the most favoured types of durian in Klang Valley
IT IS fair to say that most of us Malaysians love our durians.
We can spend all day eating the pungent fruit, even if our breath stinks and the smell of the fruit stays on our fingers longer than expected. We would never say no to durians and now, we are spoilt for choice with so many different varieties on offer.
To make it a little easier, StarMetro visited Durian SS2 to find out the different types of durians available and their characteristics.
1. Tracka
Several durian sellers have referred to this variety as the ‘Durian Queen’ for its consistent quality and taste. The fruit, which originated in Tanjung Sepat, Selangor, is fragrant and has a slightly lighter, yellow-coloured meat as compared to Musang King. However, it is not easy to find the Tracka variety. A Tracka durian variant is also known as Durian Bamboo. Price: RM35 per kg.
2. Musang King (Mou Shan Wong)
The most popular durian variety and the most sought after by locals and tourists alike. Originating from Kuala Musang, Kelantan, in the early days, the fruit is now widely planted in orchards around Pahang and Johor too. It has a thick and creamy texture and a consistent bittersweet taste that many durian lovers crave for. The fruit usually comes in dark yellow and it is easier to tell a Musang King durian apart from others as it has a large star sign at the bottom of the fruit. Price: RM46- RM60 per kg.
3. Durian Kampung or Durian Asli
It is the cheapest of all. They don’t even have a rack to sit on. Usually you will find them stacked in baskets at the stalls. The fruit is unpredicta - ble. Some may be sweet while others may be bitter. The one I tried had both with a mix of dry and creamy textures. According to the durian seller, this variant is often not taken care of by orchard owners unlike the premium variants hence the fruit quality varies. Price: RM15 per kg
4. Hor Lor
Another durian originating from Penang. The meat is slight drier and does not have pungent smell as compared to other durians. The fruit is also sweeter in taste. Price: RM22 per kg.
5. Black Thorn
A variant originating from Penang which is slowly gaining popularity among durian lovers. Its fruits are darker coloured and are often sweet. It is usually available during its peak season from June to July. Price: RM45-RM60 per kg.
6. D24
A popular variety back in the early 1990s. The fruit has a consistent creamy texture and bitter in taste. Those who enjoy eating durian are still fond of this variety whenever visiting a durian stall. Price: RM22 per kg.
7. Jantung
One of the lower grade variants of the king of fruits. At certain angles, you may find the fruit to have the shape of a heart with it’s curved body. It has light yellow-coloured flesh and does not come cheap. Price: RM25-RM48 per kg.
8. Red Prawn (Udang Merah)
Well-known variant in Penang but you can occasionally find it at stalls around the Klang Valley. Young trees usually produce sweeter fruits while older trees are said to be able to bear an equal amount of sweet and bitter fruits. Fruits are also darker in colour from dark orange to red as the name suggests. Price: RM28 per kg.
9. XO
If you are wondering if the name has anything to do with the popular brandy – yes it does! The variety is said to have a strong bitter taste just like the alcohol. It is also often pitted as a contender against the D24. Those looking for bitter durian should also seek the XO variant from older trees. Price: RM25 per kg.
10 D88
Sometimes it is referred to as the ‘potato’ of durians for its dry and hard texture. It’s thorny skin comes in pale yellow while the fruits are often very sweet with a mild taste. If you dislike durians with strong pungent smell, you can opt for the D88. Price: RM22 per kg.
Disclaimer: Price of durian may vary from time to time according to each season.