GEORGE TOWN: They are called Cempedak King for good reason.
With their intense sweetness, rich juiciness and thick, fleshy texture, the prized hybrid of jackfruit and cempedak is among the most sought-after varieties in the region.
It complements the durian season and lingers a little longer, drawing fans in with its irresistible aroma.
While some prefer it fresh, many cannot resist the cempedak when it is batter-fried, especially as an evening snack.
At a stall along Jalan Perak, the operator carefully coats each piece of Cempedak King in batter before dropping it into the sizzling oil.
The stall owner, who wanted to be known as Lim, said the fruit is a favourite among her regulars.
“The supplier only sells if I am willing to buy 200kg of Cempedak King. But it’s worth it because it lasts me only about a week.
“I ration it throughout the week before my new supply arrives,” said the 63-year-old who offers Cempedak King from May until early September.
She said that Cempedak King is pricier, with each piece sold at RM3, while the regular and smaller cempedak goes for RM8 for five pieces.
Despite the price difference, Lim is always sold out by the end of the day.
“It is fleshy and has a nice colour, which people find attractive.
“Many have told me it’s juicier compared to other varieties of cempedak,” she added.
Orchard owner Elvis Liew said Cempedak King originates from Balik Pulau, adding that it is a hybrid developed for a competition more than a decade ago in Penang.
“It is a fleshier fruit and is considered sweet-tasting.
“It was not always like this. It took time and effort to develop it into the sweet, tasty fruit it is today.
“About 10 years ago, there was a competition and that’s when it was dubbed Cempedak King because everyone loved it,” he said.
Liew said the season typically runs from the end of April or early May to the end of August.
“This year, there might even be an additional season from December to January.
“It will be short but it’s good news, as there’s always demand,” he said.
Liew added that while there are many other varieties of cempedak, Cempedak King is the most sought after due to its larger size and strong aroma.
“I supply to most of the shops and stalls in Penang, including those selling it fried at pisang goreng stalls.
“As the season nears its end, my yields are getting smaller, which is why fewer people are selling it now,” he said.
