Durian lovers, did you know that there are different types of durian? You got that correctly. Durians are available in a range of tastes, including bittersweet and creamy flavors.
With its creamy texture, who wouldn’t crave these bright yellow flesh of the king of fruits.
The height of the durian season is anticipated to occur between late June and mid-July, and the season is anticipated to last in August. A peak season would result in cheaper prices and greater quality.
Scroll down and read on to learn more about the many types of durians. Discover the perfect durian that will suit your taste buds.
Types Of Durian
Durian Fruit
Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly that of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, is strongly associated with durians.
The durian, known as the “king of fruits” in some areas, is characterized by its enormous size, potent aroma, and rind covered in thorns. The fruit normally weighs between 1 and 3 kilos and may reach sizes of up to 12 inches in length and 6 inches in diameter. Depending on the species, its form can range from oblong to circular, its husk can be green or brown, and its flesh can be pale yellow or red.
While some individuals find the odor of the durian to be strong and unpleasant, durian lovers find it to have a wonderfully sweet scent. The scent and unusual flavour, which has been variously characterized as rotting onions, turpentine, and raw sewage, elicits emotions ranging from profound admiration to severe disgust. The fruit was prohibited in certain Southeast Asian hotels and public transit systems due to its persistent odor, which may last for many days.
Check out some of the common types of durians below.
1. Mao Shan Wang/ Musang King
Also known as Cat Mountain King, Butter durian, or Rajah Kunyit. The Mao Shan Wang durian fruit is a bright yellow durian. It has a creamy, sticky, and bitter taste. Mao Shan Wang fruit originated in Kelantan, Pahang, and Johor Malaysia.
Mao Shan Wang is one of the most widely consumed varieties of durian and is frequently used in pastries and sweets, such as mooncakes, ice cream, coffee, and cakes. Those who don’t like an overly-sweet or bitter durian may easily bear its bittersweet taste, achieving a wonderful balance that is well-liked by the general public. In comparison to some of the more watery durian types, the creamy texture also allows for a more sumptuous, delicious taste.
Mao Shan Wang durians are easily recognized by their star-patterned bottoms. Because Mao Shan Wang durians are known to cost high prices, pay attention to look for the pattern before making a purchase.
2. Red Prawn Durian
Also known as Hong Xia or Ang Hay. Red Prawn Durian is an orangey-red colored durian. Red prawn originated in Pahang, Johor Malaysia.
Red prawn has a custard-like creamy texture and a sweet taste. Additionally, this variety of durian frequently has small seeds, resulting in more flesh. Both beginners and durian enthusiasts will adore it.
3. Golden Phoenix Durian/ Jin Feng
Golden Phoenix Durian is a pale yellow-white durian fruit. This type of fruit originated in Pahang and Johor Malaysia. The fruit has a bitter aftertaste and a more watery texture as compared to other types of durians. Though, it’s not advised for beginners because this can be an acquired taste.
Its seeds are smaller than those of other durians, yet it has an intense and pungent smell. The deliciousness of the flesh is well worth it for such a little seed.
4. D1 Durian
D1 durian is also known as Gang Hai. It has a pale yellow flesh, and it originated in Johor, Malaysia. The flesh is somewhat crunchy and has a sweet, milky taste.
This type of durian is good for those just starting out on their durian experience.
These types of durians are chewier than others because they have a fibrous flesh than most. Even if it can be an acquired taste, you should still give a shot, who knows, you might love it.
5. Hor Lor Durian
Hor Lor Durians have ivory-colored flesh and mild, somewhat sweet flavors. The fruit originated in Penang, Malaysia.
The Hor Lor has a moderate flavor that won’t be too overpowering on the palette, making it a nice option for newbies and kids. If you prefer somewhat stickier and drier durian flesh, this variety is a good choice.
6. XO Durian
Due to its brilliant yellow flesh and little depressed star-shaped bottom, XO Durian is easily identifiable. XO durians were grown originally in Johor, Cameron Highlands, or Genting.
The XO durian is ideal if you like bitter flavors with a hint of alcohol. The bitter fruit has smooth, creamy, and thick flesh that dissolves in your tongue. It has a strong flavor, which may not appeal to all durian eaters.
7. D13 Durian/ Kampung Durian Breed
D13 Durian has a deep orange flesh. It is well-liked by many individuals. The fruit originated in Segamat, Johor Malaysia. It is similar to red prawn durian.
It tends to be less pungent and has a moderate, sweet flavor. This makes it more palatable, ideal for first-timers. It contains large seeds, which means there is less flesh, but it is very affordable.
8. Black Pearl Durian
Black pearl durians are also known as Hei Zhen Zhu.
This variety of durian has smooth, creamy flesh that has a pale yellow flesh. The fruit originated in Johor, Malaysia.
The Black Pearl is distinguished by its tiny, pearl-like seeds and thin external husk. It is slightly bitter yet nevertheless milky.
The Black Pearl variety of durian is the one you just must try if you like your fruit bittersweet. However, it is said to be rather extremely rare, so grab any chance to give it a try.
9. Black Thorn Durian
Black Thorn durian has a bright yellow flesh. The fruit originated in Penang, Malaysia.
Black Thorn, a powerful rival to the well-known Mao Shan Wang durians, with a flesh flavor that is close to bittersweet. They tend to be pricier than other durian varieties, although they are not as common as Mao Shan Wang durians. They are very rare, each and every fan of durian must eat them at least once since they have a deliciously rich texture that is comparable of custard.
10. Black Gold Durian
Black gold durian has a dark greyish undertones. The fruit is originated in Pahang, Malaysia.
In a sense, Black Gold durians are a level above than Black Pearl durians. It has a pleasant custardy texture and a a little bit of bitterness.
11. D17/S17 Durian
D17 durian has a dull yellow flesh. Its shape is elongated with large thorn.
The flesh of the D17 durian is moist and has a pleasingly creamy texture, so you won’t be thirsty after your durian meal. The majority of D17 durians have a distinct bitter flavor that isn’t overpowering.
For people who like softer flavors but yet have aroma, this variety of durian is ideal to consume.
12. MonThong Durian
MonThong Durian is also known as Golden Pillow in Thailand. It is considered as one of the most popular and best durians in Thailand.
This fruit is a vibrant yellow color and has a mildly sweet flavor and odor. It is also meaty.
13. Green Bamboo Durian/ Tekka
Also known as Tekka ot Qing Zhu. Green bamboo durian has a slight greenish hue to pale yellow flesh. The fruit originated in Johor, Malaysia. It is an unique variety of durian with rich sweetness, floral tones, and bitterness.
This rare durian variety, is also known as the Musang Queen. It is also believed to have a richer, more profound flavor than the Mao Shan Wang that we all know and love.
14. D24 Sultan Durian
The D24 Sultan is a real contender for the title of most popular durian variety. Its milder flavor makes it simple to get used to the extraordinary fruit. D24 has a same smooth and creamy texture as the popular Mao Shan Wang durians but tastes somewhat bitter. This fruit is great for parties.
15. D101 Durian
D101 durian has an orange flesh. The fruit originated in Pahang, Johor , Malaysia.
D101 is another another good durian. It has a moderately sweet flavor and a wonderful buttery texture. For those who don’t like the regular bitter taste of durians, the orange-colored flesh is an excellent alternative to other types.
Picking The Best Durian
It’s time to practice choosing the best durian when you’re out shopping now that you know how to differentiate the durian breeds.
Everybody wants to buy fresh fruits. Before buying, check the freshness of the durian. If the stem is dry or has noticeable cracks, the fruit is likely old.
When durians are fully mature, the seed separates from the shell and makes a knocking sound. The durian’s weight is another consideration.
When you shake a durian, it will make a knocking sound if it is ripe. Durians that are ripe always weigh less than those that are not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many public areas, including hotels and bus stops, forbid individuals from bringing or transporting durian because of its unpleasant odor.
Yes. Durian is rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, B6, Folic Acid, riboflavin, niacin, iron, potassium, manganese, and magnesium.
No. It’s a popular misconception that jackfruit and durian are interchangeable, yet the two fruits are actually very different. Many individuals in the West are unfamiliar with the tropical fruits, jackfruit and durian. Jackfruit, a member of the Morocae family, is linked to figs and mulberries, whereas durian, a member of the Malvacae family, is more highly tied to mallows.