The Mighty King of Fruits – Durian
Special to Road Trips for Foodies
By Tourism Malaysia
Durian. Ah, just the name alone can send shivers down the spine. (For most Malaysians, at least!) Affectionately hailed as the King of Fruits in Southeast Asia, its reputation of having the most pungent (read: aromatic) smell is well-advertised worldwide. As the smell is not agreeable to some, many hotels and establishments forbid this notorious fruit from being brought and consumed within their premises.
Despite its thorny exterior that can be likened to a porcupine’s (or a crown, befitting a King), once opened, the interior reveals the soft and sweet yellow flesh. Although durians can be found in many Southeast Asian countries, the varieties differ between regions. According to the Malaysian Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry, there are approximately 200 known durian varieties registered that can be found in Malaysia.
Durians are available all year round but the best can be consumed during the main fruiting seasons. In Malaysia, durian season typically falls between May to September where they start appearing in the Northern area followed by the Central, Southern and the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. There is also a smaller durian season between December and January.
For the uninitiated, do take caution as durians are not for the faint of heart! Durian’s popularity notwithstanding, the strong smell might repulse and prevent you from savoring the delicious flesh.
(l-r) Musang King, D24, Golden Phoenix, Black Pearl, Black Thorn Durians
However, if you do not dare to taste the actual fruit, rejoice, as there are many products that incorporate the taste of durian that may tone down the overpowering smell and make it more appealing for consumption. Some of them also make for good souvenirs to bring home.
As we are closing in on durian season, take the opportunity in the remaining few months to plan your durian trip as we celebrate Visit Malaysia Year 2020.
Whether indulging in the durian desserts variants or directly devouring the food itself, you would not want to miss the chance to taste the King of the Fruits while in Malaysia
(Photos courtesy of Tourism Malaysia)
