This durian season brings triple the yield

Chew (in blue) and his workers sorting the durian at his stall.

Many are rushing to get their hands on the king of fruits, which is currently in season, despite the ongoing lockdown.

According to some sellers, the period from mid-June to end of July is the best time to enjoy fresh durian from orchards in Johor.

Durian stall owner Tie Kian Chow said the price of the fruit this season was at its cheapest in three years, with yields having tripled because of the weather.

“This is a good time to enjoy the fruit from the first batch of harvest.

“The second crop is expected in the second half of July.

“Durian trees in Pahang will start bearing fruit in early August, so fruits in the market will be from that state by then,” he said.

Tie added that most of his customers preferred durian from the orchards in Johor, which offer up to 100 varieties including the popular Musang King, D13, Red Prawn and 101.

“Pahang typically has fewer varieties.

“The fruits from orchards in Johor are definitely fresher. The distance the fruit is transported affects the freshness and taste.

“Moreover, the trees in Johor are aged trees, producing better fruit,” he said.

Tie also supplies frozen durian to other states in Malaysia as well as to Hong Kong and other parts of China.

Another durian stall owner, who only wanted to be known as Chew, said his supply came from orchards in Tangkak, Jementah, Muar and Batu Pahat.

He noted that sales had been brisk, with some three tonnes of durian sold daily since the season started a couple of weeks ago.

“Although it is a far cry from the pre-pandemic days, when I could sell seven to eight tonnes of durian each day, I am thankful that there are customers still supporting my business.

“I find they are more willing to spend this time around and have been buying in bigger quantities.

“So far the D13, 101, Jin Feng (Golden Phoenix) and Red Prawn varieties have been the customers’ favourites.

“This shows that the movement control order has not stopped Malaysians from satisfying their durian cravings.”

Chew, who has been selling durian for over a decade, advises customers to strictly observe standard operating procedure (SOP) while choosing the fruits.

Meanwhile, housewife Liew Ai Lian, who was seen buying durian at a stall in Johor Baru, said she found herself craving for fresh durian.

“The only difference is that we cannot sit down and enjoy the fruit on the spot because of lockdown.

“We have to take the fruits home and open them ourselves.

“I got some good deals though, such as a ‘buy one, free one’ where I only paid RM20 for four whole fruits.

“My family loves the fruit as much as I do,” said the 51-year-old.

Accounts executive Nur Aishah Ahmad, 37, bought five durian from a stall in Taman Sutera Utama at the start of the season last weekend and returned to buy more as they were so tasty.

“My husband and I just can’t get enough of them, especially the D13 durian.

“We bought more to share with our neighbours, who have been sharing their fresh garden vegetables with us,” she added.