This story was first published in The Sunday Times on Jul 13, 2008 and updated on July 7, 2017.
SINGAPORE - Durian season has arrived and it is time to feast on the thorny king of fruits.
The Straits Times sniffs out 10 popular varieties of durians from Malaysia and puts together a guide on how to tell them apart.
1. MAO SHAN WANG
Other names: Butter durian, Cat Mountain King, Rajah Kunyit
Colour: Bright yellow
Tasting notes: Durian connoisseurs love its bittersweet taste and sticky, creamy texture. The flesh can be sweet and bitter within the same fruit.
From: Kelatan, Pahang and Johor
Price: $28 to $30 per kg
2. GOLDEN PHOENIX
Other names: Jin Feng
Colour: Pale yellow-white
Tasting notes: Bitter with a more watery texture and strong pungent smell.
From: Pahang, Johor
Price: $25 to $28 per kg
3. XO
Colour: Pale yellow
Tasting notes: Bitter and extremely soft, fleshy meat with an almost alcoholic taste.
From: Johor, Genting, Cameron Highlands
Price: Price unavailable due to extremely low supply
4. D24
Other names: Sultan
Colour: Pale yellow
Tasting notes: Very creamy and bitter.
From: Johor, Pahang, Cameron Highlands
Price: Price unavailable due to extremely low supply
5. D13
Colour: Deep burnt orange
Tasting notes: Sweet, less fibrous than most durians and not very strong in taste. This durian has large seeds. Good for people trying durians for the first time
From: Johor, Segamat
Price: $13 to $15 per kg
6. D1
Colour: Pale yellow
Tasting notes: Small seeds, milky taste.
From: Johor
Price: About $13 per kg
7. D101
Colour: Orange
Tasting notes: Easy on the palate, slightly sweet and creamy.
From: Pahang, Johor
Price: $13 to $15 per kg
8. RED PRAWN
Other names: Hong Xia, Ang Hay
Colour: Orangey-red
Tasting notes: Sticky with a sweet aftertaste.
From: Pahang, Johor
Price: $13 to $15 per kg
9. GREEN BAMBOO
Other names: Qing Zhu
Colour: Pale yellow with a slight greenish tinge
Tasting notes: Sweet with fibrous flesh.
From: Johor
Price: About $18 per kg
10. BLACK PEARL
Other names: Hei Zhen Zhu
Colour: Very pale yellow with grey undertones
Tasting notes: Slightly bitter, smooth and creamy with small seeds.
Origin: Johor
Price: About $18 per kg
