Comparing MSW

I can't exactly say the taste test is conclusive in the kind of MSW supplies at different stalls but we did a taste test if 3 durian stalls.

MSW were purchased from 3 different stalls, 1 is a new stall, the other 2 were well established stalls. Price differs were pronounced. I shall not name the stalls nor prices to be fair.

Stall 1. New stall.
Price is general as most other stalls around the island. We reserved 2 from this stall. I did a further screening to pick what I thought would be better. But I am not an expert in choosing thus it would be unfair to them to say theirs are of a certain standard.

However, the MSW is average. As much as I think it would be likewise for many stalls.

Stall 2. Established stall.
Price is steep. About 40% higher than 1st stall. Quality is much better yet lacking the 'punch I look for in MSW.

Given the much higher Price, the standard is expected to be vastly better. Well, it was.

Stall 3. Established stall with good reputation.
Price is 50% higher than 1st stall and quality beats all. Maybe the boss knows we are doing a comparison so he picked the best in his opinion. We were all in awe.

The 2 were dry yet sticky and nice bitterness and mildly sweet.

The boss further opened another 2 to treat us, each having a different character, with 1 having a flora and smoked woody scent and another having a kind of spiciness bite (mildly acidic or burning sensation) in the sides of my tongue, the kind of MSW I seek.

This stall will gladly replace or not giving it to customers if it doesn't meet the customer's standard.

For the price they charge, its worth it.

Below photos are not in any sequence and no pinpointing which durian were purchased from which stall. 

Given the high cost and selling Price, we will not be able to indulge as much as we did last year or before.

Durian Season 2017 - August

This year's durian seasons are all screwed up, terribly. The La Nina effect robbed us of our beloved fruit and disrupted supplies, resulting in historically high price.

Just 2 weeks ago, Singaporeans favourite variant, Mao Shan Wang 猫山王 (mountain cat) was going at S$35/kg or higher. What??? Some goes in disbelieve. That's like more expensive than gold.

Yes, that is a real situation that happened. Even at the source supply area, Bentong and Raub (in Pahang, Malaysia), it was selling at RM110/kg, if not more. Even if you are willing to pay, you may not be able to buy it.

Some may ask, "What's the weather relationship with durians?"

During flowering and early fruitation, its lije first trimester (no offense to ladies. Just trying to find a word to describe the dedicate stage). The flowers and young fruit are vulnerable to strong wind, heavy rain, extreme weather's, etc.

La Nina resulted in heavy rainfall, which is uncommon between late April to even November. However, we have been getting heavy and days of rain from April till now.

A recent trip up north.
On 23 July 2017, I followed Dr Roy, on a trip up Pahang (Bentong and Raub) in searched for the prized fruit. We Only chanced upon a few stalls with very limited durian supplies on sale.

Of the types we ate, includes D24, MSW and some 'kampung durians. Honestly, taste test, we were not impressed. Not that we are fussy, but the durians didn't make the mark. It's like cheap wine. But when cravings are strong and we turned beggars, beggars can't be choosers. So we were sorely defeated. Next trip coming up soon.

Bentong Pahang durian

On 29 July 2017 weekend, I made a trip to Melaka. I know where the durians are sold so that's like the best bet for my fixation.

In Melaka, I managed to sink my fangs into 'Kampung' durians, Red Prawns, MSW and something else I can't recall. Prices on this trip were slightly softer, at RM95/kg for MSW and RM45/kg for Red Prawn.

Melaka Durian Trip

The Season Starts
We were informed durian season should start in Mid Auguest 2017. Of course don't expect the bumper supply like in 2015. It will only increase from the current sorry state and prices will come down.

The current price, as of 3 August 2017, started coming down to $29/kg, And lowest I heard was $26/kg. I'm not on a durian hunt in Singapore thus I won't be aptly updated.

The guess is, 2nd half of August 2017, I forecast (MSW) price to drop to as low as around $20-22/kg. It may go a bit lower but I don't expect $15/kg. A fair lowest price should be about $20/kg. But don't hold me to it. It's just a guess. If I'm right, you buy me durian ok.

---------- edit 9 Aug 2017 ----------
Saw MSW on sale at $20/kg today. Prices came down faster than expected.  In this case, it is likely going to drop to $16-18/kg by end of the month.
---------- edit end ----------

In my recent trips, be it Pahang and Muar/Pasir, I don't see flowering on the trees near the road. So I guess the next season won't start in November (maybe scattered flowers) but likely in December.

Let me throw open another wild guess. Should the weather revert back to the norm, we should see a good supply in 2018 since trees didn't get to produce much in 2016 and 2017. These trees are pump up but didn't get to produce. Just a real wild one here.

(Disclaimer. Don't be deceived by photos. These durians were actual fruit and color but it's how I capture photos that makes it.looks better than it really is.)