Did you notice any difference in durian quality between mid year and year end durian, from 2 biggest supplying region of West Malaysia, Johor and Pahang?
Mid Year Durian Quality
Mid year being given drier months while year end being wet months. How does it affect durian quality? How does terrain affects quality during these 2 periods?
Many are aware the terrain of Johor being more flay while Pahang being hilly but how many are aware how this affects quality of durian?
Unrealised by many, mid year dry months resulted in dry grounds thus durian are receiving too little water. However, Johor durian is possibly better than Pahang durian mid year due to flat ground being able to retain a little more water than hill slopes.
Year End Durian Quality
Year end on the other hand, with heavy rainfall , could result in 'drowning' durian (no such terms actually, just couldn't find a better word to describe) but due to the slopes in Pahang, the ground is better drained.
Durian trees are not suitable for wet soil. Too much water in the ground does more harm than good. Thus durian trees grown on hill slopes tends to be better than in low grounds (water lodge).
Other Information
Another point unknown to many. Durian needs water too. Mid year is too dry further north. With little rainfall, the durians (hanging on tree) receive insufficient water. Wait! It's not about watering the ground. The fruit itself needs water.
I may be thoroughly wrong here. You should do your own observations. This theory about durian needing water too, were learnt from plantation owner/operator, as well as sellers.
Personal Preference
Thus mid year, I tends to prefer Johor durian while year end Pahang durian appeals more to me.
Prices
Based on observation, mid year durian prices comes down slowly (eg drop gradually over 1 month) while year end durian prices falls rather rapidly (price starts to plunge after about 2 weeks). A few possible reasons why year end prices falls faster could be due to the year end festive and holiday period plus the rainy season.
Many people tends to go on holidays during year end, thus rather keep their monies for their travel, as well as not wanting to fall sick. Besides, with Christmas and Chinese New Year around the corner, more of our monies are more focus for these festivities.
Rain also has a huge impact on business. When it rains, people want to stay indoor or go home.
Last point to note. Mid year season if 2015 was a really good season not had in many years (perhaps 2008. I don't expect year end season to be as good.
Enjoy feasting. Prices are rather 'soft' and quality isn't that bad. Time to stock up in the freezer.
