Creamy goodness: Sim peeling apart a durian for Andrey and Elena at his stall in Jalan Dato Keramat. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Good news for durian lovers. This year’s season is expected to be a bumper harvest due to the hot spell and they will probably start dropping by next month.
Durian trader Sam Sim, 54, who operates a stall in Jalan Dato Keramat, said he anticipated 70% more produce from the Balik Pulau orchards supplying him, compared with previous years.
“Consistent rainfall and hot weather during the day is ideal for the growth of durians and for them to ripen.
“This year, we will have an abundance of fruits ready not just for locals, but tourists and even for those feasting during Hari Raya festive period.
“Tourists from China, who favour the Musang King, will be treated to a good season this year,” he said on Thursday.
Hari Raya Puasa is expected to be on April 22 and 23.
But Sim is already selling durians in Penang now, though his stocks are from Raub, Pahang.
“I sell about one tonne each day,” he said.
“The small fruits are priced between RM10 and RM20 each, while bigger fruits cost between RM25 and RM30 per kg,” he added.
Sim also supplies frozen durians and paste for cooking.
Among those met buying durian at his stall recently was masseur Aminah Hussain, 52, who was buying them for his son working in Singapore.
“I’ll be attending a wedding in Johor and my son, who hasn’t been back to Penang for about a year, will be attending as well.
“There are durians in Singapore, but he misses those from here,” said Aminah.
Tourists are not left out either – Andrey Mur, 36, and his wife Elena Mur, 35, from Russia on a two-week holiday here, couldn’t resist indulging in the fruit.
“It’s a fruit, but tastes like a creamy cake.
“I tasted it the first time in Taiwan, but everyone has been telling me to try it out in Penang.
“It truly is delicious,” said Andrey, who loved it so much he even packed away a box for a feast later.
