Durian Dilemma: Which One Is Worth Your Money This Durian Season?

Unfortunately, Malaysia is not a country that is blessed with four seasons. There’s only one season that exists, and that’s summer! We’re hot all year round, but some months are just hotter than others. 

Fortunately, with the hotter months comes a season that plenty of Malaysians look forward to each year – the durian season! And if you’re one of those Malaysians who detest the smell of durian, saying it smells like sewage, the only question to you is “HOW?” and “WHY?”

Dubbed as the “King of Fruits” in Southeast Asia, durian is a fruit that sparks conversation, whether you love it or loathe it, and there’s no denying that the durian season brings a buzz of excitement! But the one thing that comes with this excitement is the hefty price tag. 

While there are kampung durians that set you back RM20 per kilo, the popular variant, Musang King, can cost RM80 per kilo. There is no doubt that the durian market has become as complex as it is pungent. 

But does expensive durian variation always guarantee great taste? Or is it popular because of mere market hype? We’re here to help you break down the top varieties in Malaysia and how to make a financially sound durian decision without compromising on the creamy, unique taste of durian. 

How are the prices of durian determined? 

The prices of durian are determined by several factors, including cultivar (variety), supply and demand, region of origin, market hype and seasonality. 

However, in recent years, the prices of durians have surged due to the combination of erratic weather changes caused by global warming. In Penang, we see a 30% decrease in yield due to uncertain weather and rain, which led to fewer fruits on durian trees, and can lead to prices going up slightly. 

With top-grade varieties like Musang King and Black Thorn going at RM80-100/kg and RM100/kg respectively, durian is no longer a snack but a luxury delicacy highly sought after. 

Popular durian varieties in Malaysia 

Musang King (Mao Shan Wang/D197) 

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Taste: Bold, bittersweet, rich and creamy 

Texture: Thick, smooth flesh with a relatively small seed 

Price: RM60 – Rm100/kg 

The Musang King is easily one of the most famous durians, and for a good reason. The consistent quality and luxurious creamy taste are guaranteed to be a treat for yourself or a great way to impress any foreign friends! Definitely a variety that is worth the splurge!  

Black Thorn (D200) 

⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Taste: Intense sweetness with a slight alcoholic undertone

Texture: Creamy, thick and dark orange flesh

Price: RM80 – RM120/kg 

Typically cultivated in Penang, the Black Thorn is a rare connoisseur’s choice. Especially with the recent uncertain weather experienced in Penang, you can expect the prices to be slightly higher than before. For durian lovers with a picky taste, the unique flavour profile definitely justifies the cost. But for casual eaters like you and me, well, we might not even notice the difference. In my opinion, this might be more about the hype than the value it brings. 

D24 (Sultan) 

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Taste: Balanced, bittersweet and slightly nutty 

Texture: Dense and smooth

Price: RM30 – RM50/kg 

Before the Musang King stole its spotlight, the D24 was the top durian, highly sought after by many! Lucky for us, with D24 losing its popularity while keeping its pleasant taste and quality, the D25 is one of the most affordable and value-for-money options! 

XO 

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Taste: Slightly fermented which is accompanied by a strong bitter taste 

Texture: Softer and wetter than others 

Price: RM30 – RM50/kg 

If you’re someone who loves durian for its pungent and almost alcoholic taste, this is the perfect option for you! It’s priced pretty similarly to the D24 breed but offers a more distinct experience for individuals who love stronger taste. It’s basically a budget option with intense flavours! 

Kampung Durians 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Taste: Highly variable – some sweet, some bitter (depends on your luck) 

Texture: Inconsistent, depending on the tree 

Price: RM10 – RM25/kg 

Buying a kampung durian is like playing Russian roulette, you never know what you can expect! That’s the fun part! You either get a durian that’s worth way more than the cheaper price tag attached, which is guaranteed to make your day, or a durian that’s runny with less flavour. Still a pretty good option, nonetheless, for individuals who would like to enjoy durian without burning a hole in their wallet.  

Tips  to maximise your durian ringgit 

Buy in peak season

The prime time to buy durian is between June to August (the Durian season). Due to the large volume produced during this time, prices tend to drop while quality increases. 

Enjoy it with a group of friends

Buying durian in bulk often guarantees a better deal. Additionally, you’ll be able to sample different varieties of durian for a much lower cost per person. 

Inspect before buying

Ask the fruit seller to open the durian so you can inspect it before buying. Some sellers allow for exchange if the durian does not meet the quality standards. 

Bargain!

Time to put on your thick skin and ask for a cheaper price! What’s the most that you lose? If the seller agrees, the best scenario is that you get a cheaper price for the durian! 

Visit reputable stalls

Reputable stalls often offer transparent pricing and higher turnover, hence, less likely to cheat you. Just look for places where more Malaysians go rather than tourists. 

Follow your tongue, not the hype

At the end of the day, your preference for durian is highly personalised, and there is no one right taste to have. What you find divine might be disgusting to others. Remember, price does not always mean that it’s better. My favourite durian variety is the Red Prawn, and it typically ranges from RM15 – RM22/kg, but my brother hates it because it’s not creamy enough. 

So this durian season, trust your tongue and be smart with your spending!