Fresh Durian Vs Frozen Durian

Fresh Durian

Few evenings ago, I was passing by some durian shops after dropping off some items to a friend, and decided to have a little bit of fresh durian.  The whole of last year, I barely ate durian, partly due to the Circuit Breaker (kind of a lock down) and also, I wasn't so convince of the quality.  It didn't make me crave.

Ok, so, I hard that the season is ending.  Don't expect too much but I'll be objective.

There were D24, MSW and also other whatever variants, plus some Thai durians too.  I decided to try D24 (since MSW isn't my first choice mostly).  

At first sight, both D24s were not impressive I must admit.  It is unevenly ripen!  Each durian had about 5 seeds and only 2 or 3 are evenly ripen while the rest are uneven.  Taste wise, it was really, subtle, not something that leaves me lingering for more.  I washed it down with beer.

(P/s : don't be deceived by the photos above.  I take photo of the nicest piece and it will make the whole durian looks drool worthy)

Frozen Durian

I've been thinking of feasting on my frozen durian from eons ago.  It has been quite long, so I am a little concern if the durian remains edible or has it turned stale.  Among my stock of frozen durians, I have 3 packs that dates as far back as 13 July 2015 ("New Freezing Method" post ) and many other packets up to 2019.

The last time I had a packet was in Sept 2019.  That shows, either I couldn't bear to consume it, or I just forgotten (no way will I forget my frozen durians).

(frozen durian upon defrost, usually doesn't look pretty, well, unless, I mix it again, semi-freeze and use an ice cream scoop to present it in a bowl or something... but, I am such a glutton, I couldn't wait longer to do all these photo thingy)

I took out a pack of frozen MSW from the 2015 batch to see if it is still good.  This batch is already 5 years 9 months old.  Really?  A lot of things doesn't last that long does it?  Would anyone keep frozen durian as long as I did?  This isn't aged wine or whiskey, that gets better if kept in climate controlled environment.  This is fresh fruit kept frozen.

I was prepared it will taste unpleasing but to my surprise, it is still as good as if it was maybe 1 month old frozen durian.  The creaminess, the flavour, the texture (remember to also peel the thicker membrane that sticks to the seed as this layer has a bit more texture), the color, everything!  It was really good!

(My brother came visit me couple of weeks back, and I gave him a pack of frozen durian from this lot [July 2015] to try.  Overall, he found it amazing after nearly 6 years, sticky on the throat.  Now I'm left with 1 pack from this lot [which I'll eat it in July 2021, to make it truly, 6 years old durian].  Next lot was prepared in Sept or Nov 2015).

Verdict!

It's the era of Ice Age!  Where's Scrat?

It taste better than the fresh durian I had days ago.

If you are keen to freeze your own durian, or other puree fruit, remember, the trick is, AIR!  If we look at anything frozen, if there is any pockets of air, it will cause moisture lost, and that is what ruined the texture and taste of whatever we are preserving by freezing.  The freezing method I used is described in this post where I explained about extracting air.

Thai Durian vs Malaysia Durian 

Since the Malaysia durian season ended weeks ago, and the next season is about to start, I had taken to, Thai Durian, namely, Cheng Nee.

Many Singapore/Malaysia consumers are not in favour of Thai durians, for several reasons including, Under ripen durian, low quality, mild durian pungentness, lack of flavor, and the gassy taste that is familiar with Thai durian.

I concur to a certain extend.

From a novice notion, Thai durians are harvested before it fully ripens.  To the Thais, rotten fruit falls off the tree, while good fruits are harvest.  Not wrong.  Which fruit apart from durian, falls off the tree and are consumed?  I can't think of any.

Coming back to this update.  Since the Malaysian durians are not very much in the season yet, well, might as well, try Thai durians.  This piece I tried is a mid size Cheng Nee, weighing between 1.6-1.8kg if I'm not wrong (ailing memory).  

The color is rather even, a sign of consistency, and the flesh are succulent soft and there is no 'blind' spot of hardness (uneven ripeness).  

Taste test.  First bite, it has the aroma that I hope to get, not overly pronounced like Malaysian durians.  Thai durians are more subtle in taste, yet this piece has a nice linger smell up the nose on first bite.  It is mildly sweet/bitter, and smooth creaminess akin to a good MSW (btw, I've not had good MSW for a long time).

The end result, the aroma didn't last too long after the last seed.  It vanish soon after, which is, what is expected of Thai durians, which I'll phase it as, "Good while it last, gone when you are done".

Conclusion of this Thai durian vs the Malaysian durian I had in early April 2021, this Thai durian wins!

Next Malaysia Durian Season

As at last weekend (8 May 21), there are already some Malaysia durians in the market.  If I'm not wrong, most common Malaysia durians available currently are, Kang Hai, D13 and D101.  I'm not sure if other variants are out yet.  I'm not yet keen in Malaysia durians, as it is very early season.  Let's wait another 2 weeks or so.  

Errrr if you try to freeze and age it, and if it turned out bad, don't hold me accountable ok. 

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.

Thai XO Durian

Many are not a fan of thai durians... my friend and me are just Durian lovers that takes what is presented to us.

Received a call to join him for durian. Not having any expection what he is going to surprise me with, I went over to his place.

Didn't know Thailand has XO durians 😂

Ok if this is my last ever post, you know, Thai XO durian did me in.... remember to bring durians to my wake.

PS : It's been a week since.... ok it's not lethal... try at own risk.

Stupid Rumor Mongering

I'll be crude in my words in this post, doesn't matter if I upset some.  I'm not here to nanny sit people's ego.

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

I've received some completely unfound durian related rumor that is being spammed by an unknown IDIOT!  

Hoax news are always abound by ill hearted weakling who just wants to cause confusion and there are definitely people who will be taken in by false news.  It doesn't take much intelligence to tell some cheap and idiotic hoax as the contents are just too stupid!

Here's the one I received on Saturday and again today.

>> Received from someone. Not sure if it’s true...🙁

Seemed China rejected closed to more than 20 containers of musang king durians due to too high insecticide detected in the fruits. That is why the durians returned back to M’sia. Now selling @ cheap price .....  so eat @ your own discretion. 😬 <<

Attached photo that came with the message

To whoever is that DUMB IDIOT, he probably can't afford this exotic fruit, durian.  Stick to apples will you!

I'll debunk this!

Firstly, from the photo, these are THAILAND DURIANS and not Malaysia!  In Malaysia, durians are collected and placed into baskets within a mere couple of hours and transported out, all within short hours.

Those that are destined for China market, are packed into styroform boxes, with 4 durians in 1 box, sealed with clear masking tape and flew to China.  It is not send by containers, via sea.  NO!  That's already one hint of how stupid that hoax starter is!

Malaysia durians are naturally ripen, thus can't take the long time being send by sea. Thai durians, on the other hand, are semi-ripe when harvest. It turns with the aid of ripening agents thus can take longer periods of transit.

Next, pesticides are definitely used for durians.  But pesticides are costly.  Malaysia farmers spray pesticides once every 2 weeks on average.  By the time the durian falls, the pesticides on durian shell are already halved.  Pesticides are sprayed upwards.  Durians are not soak in pesticides or insecticides as claimed.  Stupid!

Lastly, if Malaysia durians are sent to China and returned to Malaysia, the durians would have over-ripen and if it is send to Singapore, it would have rot.  STUPID!  

Stupidity has no boundary and if we are to believe and continue spreading falsehood, we are not acting any smarter.  

Truth About Cheaper Durians

There are many price sensitive consumers here that hunt for cheap bargains.  So, the hoax are probably well targeted at some.

Why are durians cheaper now, than previous seasons this year?  In 2016, SE Asia were hit by El Nino and in 2017, we faced La Nina (talked about in a post sometime back so I won't elaborate further).  This caused a huge decline in durian production.

In late August 2017, I went up to Pahang with some friends, and saw a lot of tiny durians, and a lot of trees were flowering.  In September and October, weather was rather good!  So this season, yield will be high.

It doesn't take much to understand economics, Demand And Supply.  

Another reason why prices APPEARS cheaper at some stalls.  On average, the going prices for MSW right now (mid Nov) is between $15-20 per kilogram.  But there are some stalls selling at $10-12/kg.  WHY?  Not everyone knows how prices works.  I'll just shine some light into this.  

From the whole lot of durians delivered to the stall, the durian guys will sort out the durians by quality.  The best of the lot, will be priced higher, while the bulk will be priced in the common range.  The cheapest ones, be it $10 each, or $10-12/kg, are usually small sized MSW or odd shape ones, that has lesser sides.  

Next time you go to the durian stall, check out the price range and shape/size.  You will get what I mean.

Don't be taken in by hoax started by stupid people else we end up being victim of stupidity.

(yea yea, I'm usually light hearted and happy where it comes to writing about durian... but this time I'm all fired up with some coarse words, deliberately.  Some people just loves believing in whatever they read without giving it some thoughts)

23/11/2017 News

SINGAPORE: Durians in Singapore do not have excessive levels of pesticide and are safe to eat, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said, dispelling rumours that have been circulating on social media.

"Some durian lovers have come across rumours about high levels of 'insecticide' in Malaysia’s Musang King durians, and asked if it is safe to consume durians imported from Malaysia," AVA said in a Facebook post on Tuesday (Nov 21).

...

Rumours that 20 containers of durians were rejected by China due to high insecticide levels and returned to Malaysia were spread online last week. The viral messages said that this was why the price of the fruit had fallen this season.

The New Straits Times called the messages "fake news" in an article on Saturday. Durian farmers told NST that the price of Musang King durians had dropped as there had been an "abundance of supply".

Source: CNA/hm

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Read more at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/durians-in-singapore-are-safe-to-eat-says-ava-9426684

The Competitors - Chanee & Mao Shan Wang

Most Singapore consumers shun Thailand Durians for the lack of aroma and pungent. 

In early May 2016, I was in Penang and tried a few fruit which was OK but didn't impress me.  From mid May owards late May, I tried MSW back here in Singapore and was left disappointed. It's after all, beginning of the season.  Since MSW didn't impress, I decided to go for Thailand Durians instead!  

Thailand Chanee (or as I like to spell, Cheng née).  Most consumers swear against Thai durian but never mind, I'm not spilling.

Late May 2016, I had asked my favourite durian guy to reserve some Cheng née durian for me.  Here's how a nice Cheng née looks like

Yes it taste like Cheng née due to the mild gassy taste typical of Cheng née. Texture wise there are a little more bite crunch associated to Cheng née too. Other than that, it has a nice durian aroma and kind of flora smelling too.  So, is it really not good? 

More recently, over the weekend (Mid June), I had some Mao Shan Wang. Quality has improved tremendously since mid May, and prices have since, came down.

Last night's evil deed photo courtesy of Alfred.

Conclusion.... When Malaysia durians are in season, Thai durian are not common.  But when Malaysia durians are not in season, or at beginning/end of season, Thai durians are a worthy alternative.  Seriously, it is worth the calories if you get a good Thai durian.

Penang Durian In Singapore? Really?

I seldom want to burst the bubble but.... 

Recently (this season), a lot of stalls are claiming they are selling PENANG DURIAN!  What Black Thorns, Green Skin, Lin Feng Jiao, Horlor, etc etc.  All the variants from Penang. 

I will use logic to reason my doubts.  It's up to you, to believe sellers, or reason with logic!

1.  In The News!
It was reported, this season's supply will face a shortfall by up to 40%.  The Malaysia news (which I did blog about not long back) was talking about Penang durian plantation owners' plight due to the extreme hot and dry spell.

If there are such huge short fall, not 4% but 40%, is there even enough durians to supply to Singapore??

2.  Traditionally, Penang Durian Supply!
All these decades of durian supplies to Singapore all came from Johor or Pahang.  Since when did Penang Durians cross the causeway?

From what I learnt from some people in the trade, Penang's consumer base is so huge, they barely have enough to supply outside, and it probably never really made it past KL.

3.  Distance
From Pahang to Singapore, the transport takes about 8 to 10 hours.  And sometimes we see to condensation in the inside of the shell.

Penang is another 300km away, or 4 hours lorry trip.  Why is it the durians arrived rather dry?

4.  Texture
The long trip, lots of bumps, would made the durian flesh super soft or even nearly smashed.  Why are these durians still so nice?

5.  Price
For the super long journey and the huge shortfall in supply, those who understands the first basic fundamentals of economics, will know Demand and Supply never resulted in low supply equals low price. 

Going back to Point 1, if supply is in short fall, plus the long transport journey (cost), how is it possible for prices to be low, at S$12/kg?

Cost of Penang durian cannot have come down so much that sellers in Singapore can sell at $12/kg. In Penang itself, you may be able to get it at RM20/kg currently but I cannot believe authentic grown in Penang durians can be at $12/kg in Singapore currently,very very unlikely even when supply is at its peak... bumper harvest is a different story.

Of course.... it is possible when the durian IS NOT Penang durian.


Conclusion.
Given just there mere 5 points raised above, do you still believe what you are sold?

I believe some sellers are going to tell you, Penang Durian grown in Pahang or elsewhere.  Well, this, I can believe, over sellers who made claims that it is authentic from Penang.  I am not going to say they lie, but I would suggest , rarher than being gullible,  why dont consumers use logic reasoning.

The same good durian from one place won't be the same quality grown in another place!  There are more to durian growing than just think you can get the same quality growing it elsewhere.  The simple science is, the minerals in the soil is different between different regions.

Chinese has a saying 'mai liulian zhan liulian xiang'. Durian sellers will claim their durian is the best. It's up to you to trust them. 

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

Last Night's Scandal With Malaysian and Thai Babe (durian la... )

Having tried some 'PENANG Durian' last week, and also a small Mao Shan Wang on Sunday, I was gravely disappointed.  I knew durians are not so nice yet.

Last night (23/05/16), I was 'dragged' out at midnight with some friends.  We ordered 3 x D24 and 1 x Thai durian (Cheng Nee).  Here's my little review.

Malaysia Durian, D24
-  D24 (small fruit)
I noticed this little devil among the pile sold by per fruit.  Picked it, took a light sniff and decided I want this!  The seller opened it, and told me it's not good, because of the 3 sides, 2 sides had worm invasion.  WHAT?  The more I want it!

-  D24 (2 x large fruit)
I didn't choose, let the seller choose.  

Of these 3 pieces of D24, only the small, worm infested D24 was worthy.  I ate 2 out of 3 seeds, and these 2 have been 'invaded' by the single worm.  Who cares!  I won't die (and i had a shot of whisky at home before heading to the stall).  The taste of this D24 was really strong, nice bitter sweet taste.  Good thing I insisted on taking it.

The other 2 larger D24 didn't impress me one bit.  Wasted calories.


Thai Durian, Cheng Nee.

I had asked the seller to help me bump the fruit and left it unopen for about 20 minutes while we tuck into the D24.  Bumping helps to soften the texture.

The flesh was thick and sticks to the throat.  Taste was pleasant, way better than the 2 D24 we had.  It is a good substitute for Malaysia durian for now.  I will be tucking into more Thai durian this week!

For those who are very 'anti-Thai Durian', maybe it's time you consider trying it.

Ganja (Ganyao) - Betong Trip Part II

Continue...

We didn't indulge in the 2nd fruit, Ganja after finishing Montong.  Too full!

It smells nice, but my friend 'warned' it won't be as nice as Montong I had earlier.  Chey... I've not even started, but he gave me a show stopper... Never try, never know!  Must try!

We were at the Hot Spring when I decided to tuck into this durian.  Oh... no knife... nevermind, the motorbike key does the trick too.

The color was pale beige.  I wasn't impress.  I was looking forward to a darker shade.  Now, taste wise, it was indeed not as impressive as the Montong I had earlier in the day.  Nonetheless, no regrets.  Have to try it still.  Couldn't finish the fruit, maybe because the taste was just average?

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

I tried the Thai local kampung durian too (but can't find the photo).  We saw it at a small make shift stall near the market in town area.  The seller only have 4 durians so we just picked 1 to eat for fun.  It was impressive!  Full bodied taste yet mildly bitter sweet.  What a nice way to end the trip.


P/S : Wait... isn't Ganja (malay word) actually Weed?  Will I get high eating Ganja?

Golden Pillow aka Montong (in Thailand)

As the Malaysia durian season tappers towards the end, I had the chance to try Thai durian when I visited Betong (South Thailand) with a friend in the durian trade (since he has taken a break from the hard work).

We were heading to a Thai Buddhist temple in the rural area when we chanced upon a durian shop, with the supply (lorry) right at its door step.  Excitement gotten me and I shouted "U-TURN U-TURN"!  I've to try it at source isn't it?

We saw, among the pile of durian on the truck, Pamani, Cheng Nee, Ganja (known as Ganyao in Thailand) and Montong.  First instinct, I told my friend I want Ganja as the best Thai durian I had was definitely the Ganja.  

As he rampage through the durians, he picked out a Cheng Nee and handed to me.  Oh my, it smells heavenly!  Next came Ganja, I'm astonished!  Than Montong, it smells just as great!  I'm floating!

All these years, I have only tried a few Thai durians, leaving out Montong as I've not had any nice ones before.  But my friend told me, in Thailand, must try Montong.  But it has to be near ripe (I just rate it, 90% ripeness) when harvested.  "Really meh?  Don't bluf me hor", was my response.  But how can I doubt a durian seller?  

The Montong weighs in excess of 3kg!

Ok let's do a Full Monty!

(it's forgiveable if anyone mistaken this durian as D24.  Afterall, the 'bump', the 2 large seeds, the color, all seems so familar with D24 isn't it?)

The color looks decent, like Malaysia's D24 doesn't it?  How about taste test?  It's subtle, not overwhelming like Malaysia durians.  But it's got such a smooth texture, non too imposing aroma but pleasant to hit a note in the nose and the taste isn't over sweet but just nice, with a hint of bitterness.

My friend only had 2 seeds while I finished the whole fruit!  I eat my words, MONTONG in Thailand is NICE!

P/S : I want to sleep on a Golden Pillow like the Royals.  

More On Cheng Nee - Thai Durian

And I seldom fancy 'take away' durians in a box.  Here's one that I gotten on Monday 25 May 2015.  And from a place I hardly patronized, Geylang.

 After removing the shrink wrap and feasting on 1 seed, too tempted to tuck in, forgotten to take a photo.

And the criminal evidence of quality.  Total of 7 seeds in that box and my tummy almost couldn't take more... burp... what a sin!  Probably going to try it again over the weekend.


A lot of Singaporeans and Malaysian durian consumers swear by Malaysia durians but are bias against Thailand Durians.  I'm not surprise, I too doesn't take good fancy of it, but I had my share of great Thai durians.

The above is evidence of really awesome Thai durian, variety is called Cheng Nee.  It's possibly the closest resemblance to Mao San Wang (Cat Mountain King).  Taste wise, it is quite close too, except a mild gassy taste that is sometimes associated to Thai durians.

How to decide what is a palatable to decently good Cheng Nee (in our Malaysia durian lover's opinion)?  
-  The durian is ripe on day of arrival!
-  Rich yellow in color
-  Nice pungent smell
-  Consistent softness

The above are appearance and touch, before it enters the mouth.  Once you get a good one, you are SOLD!