KUALA LUMPUR: The Musang King durian, also known by its original name Raja Kunyit, has deep yellow flesh, broad and blunt spikes, a gap between the stem and thorns, as well as visible seams.

Durian lovers should know more about these characteristics before buying in order to avoid being cheated.

According to Serdang Agriculture Department Horticulture Division assistant director Mohd Auzaie Koma Rudin, these were among the characteristics of the D197 durian, which was registered under the Agriculture Department in 1993.

Among the local Chinese, he said Musang King is commonly known as Mao Shan Wang or Cat Mountain King, which refers to the durian flesh’s resemblance to a sleeping cat.

“The name was widely used until the word Mao Shan was changed to Musang and Wang was changed to King, hence the origin of Musang King,” Mohd Auzaie said, adding that this variety is mostly found in Raub, Pahang.

He also reminded durian enthusiasts to be careful and have basic knowledge of the characteristics of Musang King when buying the fruit to avoid being cheated by unscrupulous traders.

“Musang King, which originated from Tanah Merah, Kelantan, is slightly oval in shape like a rugby ball and has a star-like pattern at the bottom,” he added.

He said the Musang King flesh has a thick and creamy texture combined with a hint of bitterness, while the seeds are flat and tiny compared to other varieties.

“Musang King is very much sought-after by durian lovers, making it quite expensive as it is sold at an average of RM50 per kg or 30% to 40% costlier than other durian varieties.

“In fact, there are some traders who try to make easy money by falsely presenting different durian varieties as Musang King,” Mohd Auzaie said.

In order to identify its saplings, he noted that the Musang King trees had thinner leaves, which are tapered and slightly wavy.

“The sapling is suitable to be planted when it has at least eight leaves and it can bear fruits as early as after five years,” he said. — Bernama