Almost Forgotten Durian

I mean, I also almost forgotten about this blog too.

Almost lost the interest in durian and durian writing these few years and I've eaten no more than 3 times per year since Covid.... mental fog maybe.

Durian has almost became a distanced dream that I hardly crave for.  I lost the lust actually!  There's no more 'I can't live without durian' mindset.  What happened?

The last few years, I've hardly had any good durians that will blow the grey matters out of my skull.  Ok fine, admittedly, there isn't much grey matter in there anyway.

What's so nice about Mao Shan Wang (MSW)?  Ok sorry if you are a MSW lover, no offense intended.  But really, it doesn't give me any kick, it's completely anti-climax... imagine when the lust is so sexually high, and than comes MSW, even the old dragon becomes a worm in me.  MSW, it's too predictable!  

I've not had any good MSW for years.  The MSW that is considered good, to me strictly, is when it has that omph factor of a freshly brewed coffee in the local coffeeshop, that strong aroma and that wake me up factor.  I can't recall when I last had such omph factor MSW.  

Ok I did the story telling.

Today, was having coffee at a coffeeshop (ok there's no omph factor in the coffee, it was kinda stale anyway) when we decided to try out durians at the nearby shop.  

The varieties were good.  There's D13, D56 (don't know what's that, have not try it before I think), D88, Shen Xian Guo, XO, Tekka, MSW.... anymore?  Dunno, din ask what they have.

We tried 3 variants, XO, Shen Xian Guo and Tekka.

Tekka is one of my favourate durian, so naturally, I would like to try it.  But it wasn't really that good.  It was half good, half han-zi (literally translated as, sweet potato, and a term to describe half ripe, bland, etc).  It's not the type of Tekka that will make me rave.

Shen Xian Guo was recommended to me by the boss.  I didn't have much impression of Shen Xian Guo as I last ate it many years back and it doesn't leave an impression.  So the boss corrected my wrong understanding of it and I must give him credit for proving my ignorance.  The one he opened for us has a nice tone of lighter shade of yellow, winkly and soft flesh. 

Hmmmm I like it!  It's got that mild stickiness, yet soft but not runny, flesh.  The taste was quite kampong durian taste, which has better depth than average graded durian variant.  It's midly bitter sweet.  Not too bitter nor sweet.  Quite balance overall.

Lastly, XO.  To me, a good XO is usually creamy beige color tone and not white.  White XO are mainly just bitter, but lacks flavor (hmmm maybe taking paracetamol is good enough).  A creamy beige flesh tends to be more flavorful.  It's not strong tasting, but XO just has it's uniqueness compared to many durians.  

The XO we had, was creamy beige in color.  The flavour was definitely what I would considered a good XO, as it's not just bland bitter.  

It's also quite value for money, given that the shell is quite thin mostly, and usually round thus you get 5 or 6 sides.  The seeds are usually small, which means, you get more flesh.  The down side, the a good XO is usually soft till it may even be runny to some.  

Conclusion. 
Out of the 3, XO definitely win somehow.  Shen Xian Guo was good.  Tekka, forgettable.  Overall, it was good enough to fill the stomach, but not good enough to make me crave to have durian again tomorrow.  Well, I'll wait a week or so, before I may try having durian again.

The peak season should be arriving in about 1-2 weeks, and prices will likely come down a bit, and quality goes up too.

Pardon the bad photos, wasn't really keen to take so didn't assemble the durians like soldiers in a parade

2021 Year End Season & Some Insider

Durian season started about 2 weeks ago.  How many have sunken their teeth into the exotic fruit?

Early Season - My First Scandal 

During first week, most durians are MSW.  About half the durian are noticed to come with burnt seeds.  Quality wise, it was not linked to the burnt seeds.  

I just tried a B grade MSW last night and here's my thoughts.

Size : Approx 1.2kg

Quantity : 7 seeds

Review : The smell did appeal to me thus I decided this piece out of 2 I picked out of the lot.  Color of flesh was quite consistent, no uneven ripeness.  Texture is soft on press, yet not  overly soft till approaching runny, the texture that I tends to like, as it is an indication of the taste.

It taste bitter sweet, with a nice lingering aroma up the nostril.  Coming to texture during consumption, there is a bit of uneven softness I must say.  So that does take a bit of points off.  Of the 7 seeds, 5 were small, 2 were full seeds.

I am definitely not one who believes in seed size having significance on the quality, nor am I really bothered about burnt seeds.  

Overall, I would give it a 7/10.  That is good enough for early season.  I'll be back to do another taste test again in the coming days or week.

In-Season  19/11/21 

A quick glance as I went past some durian stalls, seems like most are selling MSW.  Upon checking, D24 is in stock, but the quality is not up to par yet.  A lot of uneven ripeness.  So, hold your gun (mouth I mean).

I tends to favour Pahang's year end D24.  Rainfall are more ample for year end season, thus tends to be less unevenly ripe (but not sure why the early supply is uneven) while mid year, if I go for D24, it has to be Johor's supply.

I had written before, about weather/rainfall and durians, and why I gathered, that mid year (Johor) and year end (Pahang) D24 are better, and not interchanged. 

A Little Insider

Pahang was faced with quite a lot of rainfall during flowering and early fruiting period.  These are not good for durian.  That partly explains the unevenness of texture (it is not uneven ripeness, but just texture) and also burnt seeds.  Another possible cause was over fertilized trees.

Plantation operators are at the mercy of weather.  Consumers at mercy of price.  It's fair.  Plantation operators takes a huge risk.  Retailers takes the direct sales risk.  Consumers mainly faces price fluctuation.  After all, durians are not factory produced products.

Have also been observing retailers selling promo bundle deals of whole durians, at a very glaring price eg 10kg MSW at $200, or even 10kg 'B' MSW at $160.  What many are not aware is, the so called higher price illustrated here, is actually larger sized 'B' MSW while the lower price one is still B but lower grade B (eg 3 sides).  Yes, even within each grade, it is further segregated, like B+ and B-.  

Currently, retailers cannot be selling 'A' grade MSW at $20/kg, as it is very near their cost.  Where's their profit?  Operating a retail business is very high cost and high risk.  I'll not be gullible to blindly believe they will sell A grade MSW at such a price.  However, gimmicks are very attractive and will attract a lot of spenders because consumers are always on the lookout for good bargain.  I'll leave it as that.

I'll need to kneel on durian shells for exposing the insiders.

Harmless Lust

I've not had good D101 for a really really long time, and not expecting to try it.  But I won't hesitate feasting on D101 if it's good.

But I've always had this special lust for a good Tekka.  It's not like, the best durian, texture is usually fibrous/grainy but it's an hard to explain fettish.  Wasted.  Mid year season, I saw some good Tekka but didn't try it.  What gotten into me?  Maybe the monkey took my brain away.

So for this season, let's hope I can get to try some (1) Tekka, hopefully I get impressed with good old (2) some real XO Durian, (3) D24 XO, if some crustaceans swims to me (4) Red Prawns.  

LUST but not least, I need to wash it down with more beer (or a good whiskey... oh man, I visited a whiskey bar recently and had some good whiskey but it's a bit costly tho).  Anyone buying?

Mid Year 2021 Season

I've not been consuming much durians, as it is mostly wasted calories.  Why did I say that?  The quality are sub standard.

A lot of consumers seeks MSW and the recent years 'new' variants, Black Gold and Black Thorns.

Don't get me wrong, I did hear, these 2 variants are available much further up North.  But almost every stall selling it in Singapore?  Gotta be kidding me.  I'm not buying that 

A few observations in recent weeks.

1.  Supplies

Among the many variants available includes MSW, D24, D13, Red Prawns, Jing Feng (Golden Phoenix), Tekka (Green Bamboo), Tai Yuen (Black Pearl), and the 'Black Gold' and 'Black thorns', etc.

2.  Quality

I've tried Red Prawn and MSW only, and I rather go for Red Prawn.

MSW supply are really really disappointing.  Either too dry or too wet.  Taste wise, not even 50% of what I expect from a good MSW.

Oh, and the 'Black Gold' and 'Black Thorns'......  Can i just eat charcoal?  Charcoals are black, and it's authentic you know!  I'm almost having a mental diarrhea after all.

3.  Names names names

Nvm that black thing.... maybe black magic.

Was at the durian stall, and heard twice from different people, that proves a point.  Many consumers eats words and not durians.

What happened was, a couple pointed out at the sign board that had 2 variants printed, Red Prawns and D24, and they wanted D24.  The pile of durian above the board isn't huge, and there was not a single D24.

Another couple, saw a board with more than 10 names, and wanted 1 of it, and that too wasn't available as the whole pile was MSW.

Anyone eating durians?  I don't have an appetite to eat words.  I'm illiterate!

4.  MSW

Ok if I've to consume it.....

MSW are currently graded A, AB, B and C.  Not everyone knows what it actually means.  Yes?

Grade A are the top grade ones, not in terms of taste and quality but shape and size.

Grade AB is the in between of A and B obviously.

Grade B are still quite large, or should I just equate as, medium size, but usually comes with lesser sides and seeds.

Grade C are in a sense, premature.  They are small.

If I've to consume MSW, I rather go for Grade B.  A rather decent size, yet with less sides and seeds.  

I am a believer that the amount of nutrients that goes to each fruit is 'divided' to each seeds.  If a durian has 10 seeds, each seed receives 10%, while a durian with 5 seeds receives double.  Its just theory, unproven.  But that's the durians I preferred.

Mid 2020 Season

Malaysia's Movement Control Order (MCO) have mostly been lifted.

Singapore's Circuit Breaker (CB la) is in Phase 2.

Covid-19 has done a lot of damage in many sense, from Economical, to Intellectual.  

CB Phase 2 was lifted past midnight into Friday 19/06/2020.  Of cos we had a few really lose nuts that deserved to be booked/fined and hopefully charged, for deliberately causing trouble by not maintaining social distancing, not masking up, etc.  

Example, heard that a bunch of monkeys invaded a particular 'Village', gathered around a hut (hopefully the 'wild life authorities' do a thorough investigation and take necessary action).  Ok never mind, why did I even talked about monkeys and bananas.  

Stay safe, be responsible and use some pea brain, be masked when in public (unless eating/drinking or exercising).  It's not YOU, it's your family that suffers from irresponsibility.  Wait, not my business.

----------------------------

So, what has this got to do with DURIANS?  Nothing, but something.  With the economy badly affected by Covid-19, with lower consumer confidence, rightfully, spending power would be reduced.  

What's weird is, why are durian so so so expensive?  COST!  Suppliers are charging a premium.  Consumers, probably the 2.5 months CB has reduced spending by nearly half, and that the borders are mostly closed, no need to spend on June Holidays, they have more cash to spare.  So.... well, maybe that explains the capitalist, of very high cost from suppliers.

Friday, CB Phase 2 (PCB) opening.  I was out for dinner with 2 others, and a couple of beers, when we decided, since beer consumption has to stop at 1030pm, we decided to have durians.  That was my first feasting.

It was just that neighbourhood shop.  I asked, if he is able to picked bitter D13, which the guy said, got to try.  The way he picked and opened the durian, I knew, FORGET IT!  I'm getting rubbish.  But what to do, it is just that, average neighbourhood stall with just a durian opener guy.  So don't expect anything good.  

Friend asked for MSW too, never my choice to have MSW, it's really, not my taste.  The best MSW I had was back in around mid 2000, follow by 2015 (which were not as nice compared to 10 years earlier).  I've not had a convincing good MSW for so long, that is why I really don't fancy MSW.  My preference in what I would rate, good MSW, one that has the omph factor of a freshly brew coffee that wakes up the nerves.  

On the durians I had in this session, it was WASTED CALORIES, that's the best I could describe.  Really, WASTED CALORIES!

I think there are quite a bit of Thai durians being sold in Geylang.  Maybe I should head there if I want fresher (than freezer) durians.  After all, a good Thai durian is definitely worth the calories.


-------------------------

Ok what I wanted to say from this session is:

1.  There are hardly and RED PRAWNS out there.  So stop being tricked to believe.  Remember, A Good Name Sells!  

Would you rather buy D13 or Red Prawns?  Got the answer?

To most consumers, you can't tell apart D13 and Red Prawns.  I won't go into it either.  But just trust me that there are really really REALLY very very few REAL Red Prawns in Singapore, even during good season.  Not to mention, we are only at the start of Johor durian season.

2.  Durian quality is really sub standard.

It was HORRIBLE eating those rubbish.  Seriously, my tongue was upset, my stomach was protesting, my soul felt empty (the stomach is full, but the soul is empty).

DAMN!  I... well ok ok ok.... I love durians, even if it's really not of standard, I'll still eat it simply because, I just don't like wasting food.


Conclusion:
Ok I'll not consume these lousy durians for now, unless it's a seller I'm familiar with.  My next fix, I'll go with durian that I pulp from last January stock.  I still have a batch from nearly 5 years ago, which is still sitting pretty in my freezer.  


P/s : Maybe 10 weeks CB.... PCB, and the lousy durian, plus sellers passing off D13 as Red Prawns got me writing so crudely.  Crude oil prices plunged a lot I heard, so that crudeness is here.  Wait ah, do I need to proof read to see if I accidentally had a verbal diarrhoea of profanities?  Nvm, I wanna go toilet liaoz.

Wet Weather Dec 2019

As the decade is about to turn in less than 2 weeks, it's also a good way to end the year, with durian of course.

I heard that Pahang has been receiving rainfall for a month.  Too much water isn't a good thing.

This week, I managed to try D24, D88 and MSW.

D24 is great.  Strong tasting, good level of bitterness, texture is smooth, over all, very balance.

D88 i had previously, used to be fiberous, or a little unevenly ripen.  This D88 I had was indeed very even, even the layer on the seed came off without that crunchy kind of texture.  It was flavorful and bitter as well.  I'll give it equal standing as the D24 I had.  Unusually D24 would appeal more than D88

MSW wise, it really left me, as usual, uninterested.  It was a little bland, like the durian had too much water.  I rather not get MSW.  Cost is high thus selling price is reflective, but quality isn't up to mark.

I'll skip MSW totally if I can.

Malaysia Durian For Chinese Market

It was reported just a week ago, First Chartered Flight Leaves Sepang For China.

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/08/28/first-durian-chartered-flight-leaves-sepang-for-china/1784942

Does it alarm you that Malaysia is starting to legally export whole durians to China?  What is the impact on consumers in Singapore?

Many of us are aware the size of the Chinese market and if more and more of them are able to have ready access to Malaysia durians, it means the demand will only multiply by leaps and bounds.  This may even 'outstrip' supplies to Singapore, resulting in very high prices for the ever desired King of Fruits.

Pre-China Market

Traditionally, exported durians (to other countries other than Singapore) were dominated by Thailand, as they harvest the durians instead of letting it drop upon ripening.  This resulted in the durians having much longer shelf life, but less pungentness, thus Malaysia durians are much stronger in taste and smell.

However, with the huge Chinese market, the game plan will change.  Malaysia durians are starting to hit the Chinese and it will only grow exponentially.  

Many durian lovers are now concern of the supply.

Malaysia Durian Plantations

The biggest supplies comes from Pahang, given the good landscape, nutrients and planting conditions.  Penang durians are in huge demand, and they are unable to supply much out of Penang, but mostly consumed by the local (within Penang) market, thus I will leave them out of this post.

Johor supplies are high, but their durians are lower in demand compared to Pahang.  Johor's terrain are mostly flat land, thus the ground water may sometimes, be too much for durian trees.  

Durian trees needs well drained soil, which is what Pahang (hilly) provides.

Pahang Plantations

Those who have driven up to Pahang in recent years, will noticed, the hill slopes being filled, mostly with durian trees than other agricultural plants/trees.  

Some of these durian plantations are rather new, trees are younger.  As a result, supplies from the younger plantations will be lower, or the characters of durians may not have been well developed yet.  Given another 3-5 years, these trees will reach a good maturity, thereby, the produce will improve.

Don't get me wrong, these trees are mostly, not grown from seeds, but mostly grafted stems from mature trees.  It takes a mere few years for these grafted stems to mature and start flowering/producing.  A few years of flowering will help the tree to mature.  That's where I'm coming from.

East Malaysia and Borneo Plantations

Recently, I heard that thousands of arces of land in Sabah are used to cultivate durians.  Same as in Indonesia, etc.  Even novice are getting into the band wagon as they all think the Chinese market is so huge, they want a slice of the action.

Way back in the early/mid 90s, similar happened, where a lot of rubber plantation owners chopped down their trees and planted durians.  By later part of the 90s, durian were so cheap, D24 was going as low as $1/kg. 

Supplies To China

The Chinese market is able to absorb more than reported.  In fact, suppliers dare not commit to the demand, for fear of liquidated damages if they fall short.  

So, we should be really worried.  Yes, not really.

As there are a lot more plantations now than before, in 3-5 years time, the supply would likely peak, and more trees are also being planted as the days goes by.  We may face higher price, but it won't likely be out of reach of most consumers.

We should also remember, Thailand was the No 1 exporter of durians.  Would they bow out of the competition for the Chinese market?  NO!  If we think the Thai plantations will stick to their traditional durian supply, we are really naive.

Thai agriculture are way more advance.  They will also join in the supply chain of premium durians, including Mao Shan Wang.  Either they establish their own export license to China, or they may export it via Malaysia!

Supplies to Local Market and Singapore

What I am more concern of is, the quality of durians instead of supply.  Farms/suppliers will handpick those that are suitable for freezing and exporting to China.  This means, rejects will be supply to local market and Singapore.  Unless there is a bumper harvest, we are more likely to receive slightly lower quality (either less or more ripe) durians.

The less ripe ones are not necessary less ripe.  Durians selected for Chinese market are to be of a certain percentage of ripeness.  Those that are lesser or over that level, will be rejected.

The journey to Singapore takes about 8 hours.  The journey will be a little bumpy (not due to road condition, but generally, that's how transportation on lorries works), which can help ripen and soften durians a bit.  Durian sellers will also bump the durians before selling, so as to soften it further. 

In the past, the good quality durians are sent to Singapore due to the volume and stronger Sing Dollar (consumers can better afford).  Now, the game changer is coming.  

Conclusion

It is a bit far, to predict how durian supply and prices will evolve into, but given the many many plantations popping up everywhere, I am seriously not worried (else next 2 years, I better stock up 50kg of puree to last me 5-8 years).

We may not be as spoil as before, with great durians and cheaper price (esp bumper harvest) but we won't be deprived.

Chinese market may be huge, but not everyone can appreciate durians, and not everyone can afford $120 (or RMB600) per durian.  Also, export/import license to China is controlled, thus not all plantation will have the way into the Chinese market.

---------------------------------------------- add on ------------------------------

As mentioned above, Thailand will also join in the supply chain for the Malaysian variants of durian, the Thailand Trade Office had warned the industry of the competition (even though it typically mentions Hainan Province).

I would think, they will be looking into improving their durians, 'hybrid' with Malaysia's premium durians as the Malaysian durian has gain momentum with Chinese consumers.  

When Thailand succeed, and it won't take many years, the supply of the much loved stronger tasting durians will increase.  The market in China is huge, Thailand won't want to lose their market share.

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/made-in-china-durians-thailands-trade-office-warns-of-future-competition

Mid Year Season 2019

Barely had durians last season... craved so much, but missed the first flowering of this season too. Oh well.... that explains why I felt listless.

Had some last week, but wasn't impressed and thought I should wait till late June. Patience isn't a friend. Ok I'm such a durian bitch.

After a tiring long day, I just need an energy boost.  Such a galore... I had 1 Tai Yuan, 1 MSW, half XO, half Red Prawn, finally Udang Hitam Rajah (King Black Prawn)

MSW isnt up to my expectation, but most would like it.

Tai Yuan was alright, but not to my expectation too.

XO glorious XO! Wooo ok I'm taking 1 whole durian, unopened, home. A good way to savor XO is, put the whole durian into the fridge and eat it the next day! That's the best way to eat a good XO durian.

Red Prawn, what's going on? Ecstasy! The richness, bitterness, a shot in the head like wasabi effect

Udang Hitam Rajah, ok I need not describe, it's the King of Red Prawn.

-------------- 23/06/2019 ------------------

I must have been so deprived since I barely had durin last season.

Today's spoils includes, Red Prawn, D13, D88, MSW, Jing Feng and a variant I've never tried before, called Kasap (spell?) or Ice Cream Durian.  I'll write a different post on it.

What stood out today was D13. Not saying the others were average, they were good too, but this D13 took the crown.

It's gotten an unusual durian pungent u like predictability. It's just so hard to describe, more than the old days kampung durian, and not the predictable graded durian.  It's got that nice kam kam taste coupled with a good level of bitterness. The kind I desired for, unpredictable.

Next time I head to the shop, I'll request for this quality again.

------------- 2 Sept 2019 -------------

The season is ending soon and the next season likely starts in November.  So those who loves Malaysia durians, do get your fix or even, stock up.

What surprised me lately was the quality of D24.  Usually, I don't favour D24 from Pahang during hot months (mid year season) as the flesh tends to be semi ripe.  Last 1 week, I was getting real decent quality D24.

The D24 I been eating in last 1 week taste much better than those I had in last 1 year.  The texture were more even, and taste were flavorful.  In fact there were a few that had smaller seed (half the usual size), which means I get more flesh.

I had 2 MSW during this period though, and it pales in comparison to D24.  So, that's how good it was.

Of cos, dont take my word for it.  The seller had opened really nice once for me.

------------------------------- Ganyao ----------------------

I tends to hear, "THAI DURIAN??  It's hard, not nice".  I actually likes it, when a lot doesn't appreciate Thai durian, that's why I get to eat good thai durian once in awhile (when I want to have it).

Over the weekend, at the shop, I noticed Thai durian (Chanee and Ganyao) and asked about it.  I was provided Ganyao on 2 occasions.

On Friday 30/08/19, the 1st one I had was alright.  The texture was almost right, a bit thicker (but not dry or overly sticky), creamy, buttery smooth.  However, the taste wasn't up to my expectation, as the flavaour didn't hit me like a boxer's KO punch.  

The 2nd one was the opposite.  The texture was just a bit on the softer side (but not runny) and everything else was good enough.  The taste was awesome, bitter, mildly sweet and very flavourful, the powdery floral scent that lingers to my nose.  If only the texture was a tiny bit thicker, it'll be PERFECT!

Saturday 31/08/19 night, the Ganyao was a more on the sweeter side, taste was about the first one I had the previous day, so nothing much to remember by.

Johor Melaka Road Trip

After months of 7 days work weeks, I found myself facing fatigue and wanted a break for sometime. Finally, earlier this week, I decided to take a short break. Just yesterday, I decided to extend it 1 night. I'm just tired and need to be out alone to recharge, over durian.

Was actually intending to ride but brake pads are bald and I dont have the time to visit the workshop.

A very leisure drive, I decided to exit the highway at the 1st exit of Yong Peng, to try my luck on durian. Glad I did.

The make shift stall only has 1 variant of durian, D24. On asking, it was RM15/kg.

I picked 2 durians, I'm hungry...

This piece was alright. There are only 3 seeds. Taste wise, the flavour was floral and sweet with mild bitterness. It was good enough.

 

Oh my... oh.... darn..... it a really damn good!!! I'm blown over! The strong D24 taste that I've not had for a really really long time. I cant ecen recall having had this knocked over D24 for so many years. I cant believe my luck. It just taste beyond my thoughts. It's just too good!

I'll rest my tummy for the rest if today and hunt in Melaka tomorrow.

-------------

Laat night and this morning, was driving around Melaka looking for durian. The old stalls I'm aware of, have disappeared. In place are some youngsters selling at a much higher price.

On average, most stalls are selling the same D24 for RM36/kg and MSW at RM68/kg. CRAZY!!!!  That's an absolute ripped off. Thats S$12/kg for D24 and S$23/kg for MSW.

Obviously they are targeting ignorant foreign consumers since Melaka are well populated by tourist on weekends, and possibly the largest crowd are Singaporeans.

I guess, those Singaporean consumers who patronized l, are quite immune to such prices and when on holiday, finances doesnt come into play thus wouldn't mind the higher price than back home?

The road side stall (outside Portugese settlement) I approached this morning, told me... ok they have cheaper variant of D24 at RM25/kg  which they claimed, are young trees (while old trees are going at RM36/kg).

Ya Right!!! Tell that to others. I didnt want to debunk him in his face... sometimes I rather just STFU and smiled (ya conn others)...

So, be warned. Dont be the next 'robert' (sings in a creepy unknown tone... it ain gonna be me, and who knows who shall it be)

End Of Cheap Durian Because Of China

With this cheap run expected to come to an end next week as Johor’s durian supply runs out, and China muscling into the market for the mao shan wang variety, are the days of cheap premium durians over?

The programme Talking Point asked this question following weeks in which mao shan wang durians hit a price low of S$10 a kg, down from the usual S$28 to S$35.

Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/cnainsider/cheap-free-durian-mao-shan-wang-musang-king-malaysia-china-10569802


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I choose to take the above with a pinch of salt.  Yes, for awhile, if China starts to import more durians than currently (recent years), the price will go up somewhat and quality may drop, but why do I not feel bothered?

There are 2 points not widely known nor discussed.  Firstly, there are many many young MSW trees in Pahang and also, Thailand has started cultivating MSW!


More plantations and young trees
I made 3 trips to Pahang in 2017. Along the route, we see plantations after plantations of durian trees. I wont say all these are MSW but when we checked with a distributor, he said majority are.

These are still rather young trees, appearing to be about 30 feet tall.  Given another 2-3 years, it would mature and produce bigger yields of durian.

Malaysia durians, are so far, naturally ripen. With that, the durians targeted for export to China will be quality checked to try prevent over ripen on arrival. The rejects, will likely end up in Singapore and for Malaysia local market.  

In about 5 years, there is a chance of a near oversupply situation (maybe not as bad as in the later 90s) and that may cause prices to come back to a healthy level.


Thailand Growing MSW Durians
It has been going on for awhile but unknown to most consumers.  It is a matter of time Thailand will master when to harvest MSW so it is rightly ripe on arrival in China.

The MSW we are consuming now, are not 100% from Malaysia, but there are some that are cultivated in Thailand but exported via Malaysia channel.

Some consumers are easily bothered by the source.  I don't!  I even consume Thai durian sometimes, as it can be rather tasty too.


Chinese Buying Farms
It was rumored that the Chinese are rampantly trying to acquire durian plantations in Malaysia.

I hope that is untrue but I tend to believe there could be some transaction (land lease rather).  I hope there are laws to prevent foreigners owning land (especially farm land) nor leasing it.  

But on a hind note, hey why not... if the Chinese are running durian farms and exporting it back to China, would that not leave the Malaysian farmers with lesser route but to continue dumping to Singapore?


Areas I Disagree With In The Above Report 
It was stated in the report, durian prices this season is at a 20 years low.

That is inaccurate in my knowledge. 20 years ago was 1998.  Sometime during those few years around 1998, prices were very low due to over supply.

In 2015, durian supplies were overwhelming and quality were among the best in many years.  In 2015, prices of MSW were even going at $8/kg.  Other variants were also sold at the lowest in memory.  (not to mention, $0.20 per small durian)

Next. It was stated in the report that the normal prices of MSW is $28-35/kg.  WAIT, where did the reporter get that information from? That is inaccurate. Didn't the reporter verify it? 

That high prices were in 2017! WHY?  In 2017, mid year supply in particular, durian supply were drastically affected by weather phenomenon of El Nino (2016) and onset of La Nina (2017) which more than halved supplies during the mid year season.  It was also due to durians being exported to China.

The reporter should verify prices for 5 years at least, before putting out that unverified report just based on the claims of whom they interviewed.

Durian sellers are not always telling the full picture.  For the price matter, it comes across to me, durian sellers are trying to condition consumers to high price from the news site.  


Summary
I guess, the recent season (July 2018) prices may be one of the lowest in recent times (except 2015) and we may not exactly experience such prices often and if China starts importing more, yes, prices will likely be impact.  But given the swats of land being used for durian farming, the price escalation during peak season may be digestible.


----- edit 27/01/2019 -----
Recently, I saw MSW going at $13-15/kg. Definitely not $28-35.

----- edit 23/06/2022 -----

The bumper harvest over the last 1 week proven a point again.  Even with the Chinese market, how did MSW drop to $12/kg or $15/kg currently?  

Don't be mistaken, the price per KG is determined by different grade, among other reasons.  So, the current price of $12 or $15/kg is Grade B or Grade C MSW.

Durian is a highly perishable fruit.  It can't be kept long, thus it is highly influenced by supply.  Demand hasn't changed very much, but supply does vary season to season.

This current low price was caused by the overwhelmed harvest from both Johor and Pahang, thus the crash and it won't last long.  My guess is, probably until late June 2022.  Get your fix soon, before it goes up again.

Mid 2018 Season - We Are In For A Treat!

This Season's Harvest & Price
The season started recently and prices have already started coming down since. The season only started less than 2 weeks ago and expected to peak by middle of July

The good news is, the current supply are mostly from Johor, while Pahang's harvest has just started about a week back.  When it peak, both Malaysia States' harvest will 'crash', resulting in a bumper harvest thus prices are expected to plummet further.  Quality is expected to improve as it peaks.

I do not keep track with pricing thus am unaware of the going prices.  There are durian groups that are compiling prices and sending it around in WhatsApp messages, etc.  Just check around and you will likely be more informed than me, the frog in well.


First Bite - 5 July 2018. 
After enduring since last week, the devil gotten me (damn there goes my diet plan)....

Today's session (Johor durians), I was offered a small Mao Shan Wang (MSW). Being small, each seed is small and not too much pulp. However, the aroma is flavorful and thick.  It's mildly bitter sweet.  It isn't exactly the best but it's good enough, for now.

Second - XO
Goodness, the sequence is wrong this the flavour is overcast by MSW.  Over all, it was still rather nice despite being overshadowed.

Wait.... I only had half. Where is the other half?  I wanted to bring it home and refrigerate it. I guess the durian seller must have taken it away and gave me another durian.

The Rare One - D2
Seldom seen but since it was offered to me, I gotta eat it.  I didnt have much expectations of it but having eaten only 1 seed, I was left quite impress.  Theres nice fragrant in the nostril, mildly bitter sweet.  A nice durian but not the type I want too much of.

Fantastic Four - Red Prawn
The durian guy told.me, he has only 1 Red Prawn but it's a little too wet. Prawns are marine creatures not desert animals after all what.... I Want It!

I've had Red Prawn from time to time, not always knock me over and today's fruit was alright. It doesn't come with that lingering after taste nor the biting sensation on the tongue but still, I like it.

Maybe I had too much durian by now this diminished returns.  Doesn't matter. I couldn't finish it and took half the fruit home and refrigerate it.  Will eat it tomorrow.

Damn.... too much durian.... I need my beer


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Second Indulgence - 7 July 2018
Went into JB to meet a friend for dinner and durian.  After not trying D101 on 5 July, I had this craving thus when the seller said it doesn't have a sourish taste, I decided to give it a try, follow by D13.  Both D101 and D13 was doable but not satisfying.

We proceed for dinner, to rest the platelet for awhile.  

When we return to the stall later, I recognised a durian kept in the vehicle and sneakily approached it.  It's Red Prawns!  Asked the seller, is that reserved or he intends to bring it home hehe.... and he offered to let me have it instead.  

The Red Prawn impressed all of us!  It has that nice captivating kam kam taste, bitter sweet and a strong aroma that just sticks out from the crowd.  Really, if that's the quality, I'll really be in a lot of trouble this season (there goes my waistline.... )

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Third Feast - 8 July 2018
Started off with a few Mao Shan Wang (MSW), not that it was my first choice of durian, but there was 3 good ones set aside for me.  It was pleasant and typical tasting but stronger than what I had in recent times.  Flesh were not too wet, yet the aroma were strong, with a nice bitterness in it.

Was later given D13, with the bruised color, a good hint of bitterness.  It had impressed me after the previous 2 sessions where D13 was average.  Flesh was ample, taste was strong, bitter sweet.

The last XO that the seller kept hidden from sigh were given to me.  It was an awesome piece.  XOs that I like, are mostly beige in color instead of off-white.  I believe richer color signifies a tastier fruit (usually).  The flesh were thick and seeds were small.  A photo speaks a thousand words.

XO Durian

Next came Jing Feng.  It was the size I like, approximately 1-1.2kg region.  It has a nice balance of taste, thick and sticky, sweet with a hint of mild bitterness.  Many people whom are more attracted to bitter durians won't enjoy this but being a durian lover, I don't stick to just typical durians.

After a little rest, Tai Yuen and Kapai was offered to me.  I wasn't much impressed with Tai Yuen.  A good Tai Yuen is hard to come by, mostly average ones.

Tai Yuen

I had too much durians!  

Of the total of 3 MSW, 2 D13, 1 XO, 1 Jing Feng, 1 Tai Yuen, 1 Kapai, MSW won the battle.


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Forth Going - 9 July 2018

This is crazy. What's meant for a party of 10 pax, were eventually conquered by 5.

We had at least (that I had counted), 3 MSW, 2 Jing Feng, 1 D17, 2 D13, 1 D101, 1 D2, 1 Tekka, 1 D88, 1 Tai Yuen.  In the end, we managed to slaughter it, taking home about 2 durians.

From the feast, D17, Jing Feng and the 1 MSW I took home left everyone in awe.  

D17 was a bit on the soft side but I'm definitely not complaining. It has the bitterness and mild sensation of an XO, plus the good aroma and fragrant of a good durian. A combination hard to come by for D17.

The Jing Feng also gotten everyone praising how perfect it was. Probably one of the best I ever eaten. It has strong character with the perfect softness (definitely not too soft) and stickiness that gives it a 9/10. 

The MSW I took home is the best I had this year. Strong bitterness, strong MSW taste, but lacking that coffee aroma punch effect else it would have scored tremendously. Gladly and sadly, there were only 4 seeds (glad cos a good durian need not have many seeds. Bad cos, my craving isnt satisfied).  Nonetheless, it's worth 7.5-8/10.

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Fifth Night - 10 July 2018

Tonight we visited another shop, with some durian pack from another store.

Started with 2 XO, 2 Tai Yuen and 2 D13.

Tai Yuen was ok. XO and D13 not up to mark.

Following that, we had 3 rounds of MSW, totaling 8 MSW durians.  MSW are not bad, but the one I had this afternoon (from last night) was better.

------------------------------


Going to take a few days break (ok fine, I had 2 halves of XO from last night which I will eat today 11/7/18), unless........ (I hear Dr Ong making special request from a source of his... good Shen Xian Guo and Tekka from Pahang.... don't forget meeeeee...else I'll break into your place and steal it)

Of the 5 days feasting, it seems to concur to me, 
- For now, smaller MSW are better.
- D17 I had last night  caught my fancy
- Red Prawn that I had on 7/7/18 was a jaw dropper
- D13 was alright. 
- D101, Tai Yuen, D2, Tekka, isnt up to my liking.
- XO are ok, best to refrigerate overnight (whole fruit).
- Tai Yuen and Jing Feng, of its decently ripe, are worth eating.

I've also asked a bit about the weather in Pahang region in the last few weeks.  It seems quite consistent with Singapore, rainny and sunny on different days (eg some days raining heavily, some days light showers, other days sunny).  That seems to suggest to me, the mid year harvest from Pahang this year, odd to be better than most other years.


Seven Deadly Sins - 14 July 2018

Sixth (13/7) wasn't a feast, only had a few seeds and left me craving the whole night that I had to visit the shop again on Saturday. 

Took home 3 durians instead of eating there.  They are, Jing Feng, Tekka and XO.

The Jing Feng was a bit on the softer side than thick and sticky, but the taste was rich and satisfying.  I'm impressed with the Jing Feng I had this season so far.

Had kept the Tekka till late night as I felt Tekka can be kept awhile. It appears like this Tekka has only 3 sides, but... I'm left lingering for more.  There were only 2 sides, and only 4 seeds. Most would complain that it's too costly to pay for a mere 4 seeds. I complain that it was a mistake only buying 1 fruit, as I was left listing for more. Never mind, I'll go and get more on Sunday. 

The flesh were decently ripe, soft yet not runny. Aroma hit the nerves immediately when i stuffed it into my mouth, little by little, I divulge it. 

Lost Count


I havent stop eating... as a matter of fact, on days I go out eating, I'll buy some back for the next day or 2. My pants have gone tight and I've put in 2kg since my first durian on 5 July. 

After 2 weeks feasting, at last I got the MSW that hit my nerves. The omph factor I relate to as a fresh brew of coffee that some people ridicule me as nonsense or how do I even relate durian to fresh brewed coffee. 

This MSW I had only has 5 seeds. Love hate relationship. Love it that there are only so few seeds, meaning, all the nutrients goes only to these few seeds, but hate it that I havent had enough when I ate the last.

I'm not a big fan of MSW but I've had the best MSW in awhile, probably a couple of years, I'll search for more MSW, now that I've tasted that gem.

 (I still havent had that knock out Tekka this season.... darn...)

29 July 2018
It all the last day of supply for some bigger stalls while the smaller stalls have already ceased selling durian.  

The season has tapered to an end. Supply is currently low thus prices have escalate tremendously. 

The next harvest should be sue towards late August but I dont think it will be as big a harvest as in July. 

My last feast for the July harvest, Mao Shan Wang.  I had a few, all smaller size fruits with about 3-4 seeds each.  Seems expensive since the price is divided into 3 or 4 seeds only.

The taste is what we would call, kap kap and bitter.  Now I'm lusting for the next harvest.

The 3 weeks feast, of the 21 days, I would have consumed 15 or 16 days.

Further reading
>>> Shen Xian Guo 神仙果
>>> Tekka (Green Bamboo)
>>> Red Prawn
>>> D17 or S17 (really got S17 ah?)
>>> XO (U won't get drunk on this)
>>> Jing Feng (Golden Phoenix)