Mao Shan Wang MSW - The Sequel to Name Sells (Different Variant?)

Just yesterday, I was out for my lunch, when I noticed that durian prices have 'soften' and became very appealing to consumers.  There were heaps of different variants of durians from Johor for sale there.

After the quick stroll through the heaps and settling down at the coffeeshop next to the make shift stall, I noticed seemingly some happy customers leaving the durian stall with bags of comfortable priced durians.

However, when I look upwards to the tentage, I couldn't help but noticed this banner.  

It is quite a common sight to see "Black Gold" and Pahang MSW, among other FANCIFUL names.  So, based on the banner above, how different are they?

I'm sure many consumers have heard/seen the following too

-  Highland MSW

-  Old Tree MSW

-  Highland Old Tree MSW

-  and recent years, Black Gold MSW and 

-  Tai Shang Wang

-  Wang Zhong Wang

I'm not saying there are no such durian (or if everything is real), but, hey, what's the authenticity of these 'variants'?  Many consumers are very unaware!  It's fine paying more for what you deem you are getting, or should I generally say, pay the price you are willing to pay for what you gotten.  Authenticity isn't relevant ya??

Let me share a bit of Insider info.  If every consumer is aware of this, and durian sellers sees this post.... well.... i leave it as that.

Before revealing further, let me refresh 1 variant that has largely been forgotten... Wang Zhong Wang!  Hey, isn't that a variant that sellers claims????  WHAT?  EXTINCTION together with the dinosaurs?  Oh no... why didn't Xiao Qiang (nick name for cockroach, in case foreign readers wonder what that is) didn't go extinct? 

Now, let is go through the different 'Variants'/names in a sellers gonna hate me fashion.

The 'Extinct' Wang Zhong Wang (WZW)

In reality, WZW is NOT a variant on its own!  It is just the better of the lot!  Get it?  Years ago, sellers single out a few pieces from that day's supply and grouped it as WZW!  

Is it wrong?  Well, it's fine with me actually.  After all, it was usually the better of the whole day's supply and many consumers don't mind paying a few extra dollars per kilogram for it.

So, any variant of durian, can actually be categorized as WZW.  It isn't really wrong in my opinion.

The Different Types of MSW

Before going into it.  MSW was first discovered in the 80s, which is nearly 40 years ago.  It was discovered in Kelantan, and a branch was grafted onto a durian tree in Pahang.  That's the origin of MSW.  

Referring to the list of names above, I'll group these (Highland, Old Tree, Highland Old Tree) together, as it is all MSW that consumers are accustomed with.

How wrong is it to term, Pahang's durian (even if it is just kampung durian from Pahang) as HIGHLAND?  Many parts of Pahang are actually highlands, especially the durian growing region.

Highland Old Tree is just another jargon.

Old tree.  HOW OLD are these trees, before they are categorized as Old Tree?  Oh ya... we don't relate to age as YOUNG do we?  So, a ONE year old child is still called 'old'.

But if people knows better, most trees are actually very young.  Most MSW are grafted from another grafted MSW 'tree'.  So do we take the age from the 

-  grafted branch as it's age, or 

-  the original tree that it was grafted onto, or

-  since MSW came from a tree discovered in the 1980s?  

Whichever, it can't be considered old even if the tree is maybe 20+ years old right?  I'm senile, forgotten, I just mentioned One Year Old is also called Old.

Oh how about Genting Highland Old Tree

Some frequent visitors to Genting Highland would have encounter durian stalls near the foot hill.  Among the most popular durian variant that consumers loved would be MSW.

So, that's how Genting Highland Old Tree MSW came about.  Genting, I am not sure if there is even a single MSW tree there. Maybe someday, someone is going to start claiming Cameroon Highland or Fraser Hill once the novelty of the current range of names gets stale.

What about Black Gold and Tai Shang Wang

Black Gold MSW was a term coined in recent years and from my unfounded understanding (I'm just BSing here)... as told by sellers too actually.... Black Gold MSW are MSW with the 'black' bruised hue instead of the evenly yellow MSW.  Generally, they just made it seems like e premium range la.

Wang Zhong Wang disappeared so suddenly, and well... Black Gold sounds really nice.

(remember to keep your poop, cos it's worth in gold)

Tai Shang Wang

Going back in history (goodness... i am either sounding old, or a historian wannabe but can't be), the term Tai Shang Wang (or Huang) is an honorific and institution of retired emperorship (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taishang_Huang)

So, is Tai Shang Wang/Huang, a retired MSW?  Or just a honorific name that is merely just... MSW?

Differentiating MSW

Among the many names above, are they really so different, or just a name?

I've helped out at certain durian stalls before, for fun, or because I was invited to help.  It's not exactly for the money, cos it doesn't measure up.

So, from what I know (up to you to believe me).  MSW arrived based on Grade A, Grade B and Grade C!  It doesn't arrive as Black Gold, Tai Shang Wang, Highland, Old Tree, or any other fancy names!!!  PERIOD!

The 'variants' segregation are... done at/by the stall.  

So it is up to you to believe what you were sold, or know where these 'variants' came from.... 1 random seller told me years ago, I don't know how to eat durian.  I only told him, "yes, I don't know how to eat durian, but he knows how to sell, so sell it to gullible buyers".  

Spare me his crap.  When I started eating durian, he was still swimming in some sack (gosh, I'm so uncouth here).

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Disclaimer : This insider may upset some sellers... or make some consumers rethink what they are being sold.  

So, who is telling the truth?  This senile blogger or your durian seller?

I'm not sorry... it was intentional!  

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.

Future Of Malaysia Durian

In recent years, durian supply were inconsistent.  

In 2015, consumers benefited from bumper harvest, which saw prices plummet while the quality was also at it's best.  That year, any variant of durian all taste awesome regardless. 

In 2016, the El Nino effect caused a huge decline in durian supply.  Quality were not as impressive, and prices hold firm.  The rumour was, huge supply of durians were exported to China.  The good ones were singled out by plantations, packed into styroform boxes and sent to China as the prices are higher there.  

In the past, before the Chinese market opened up, during huge harvest, durians were dumped into Singapore, as the most convenient market.  Now that the Chinese market has opened, they still dump, the inferior ones, to Singapore.

Now, in 2017, the La Nina effect caused a further decline in supply as flowers and tiny durian fruits were all brought down by the prolonged, and sometimes heavy rain.  The depression of supply, coupled with the chinese market (although this year, exports to China may not be as much as in 2016), prices sky rocketed!  Prices we never seen before!  MSW used to bottom out at as low as $10/kg (B grade) or about $15/kg average (A grade).  This year, A grade MSW were hovering between $25-35/kg at most stalls.

What next?


A Recent Trip To Pahang
In July and (1-3) Sept 2017, I was invited by my friend, Dr Roy, to join him on a trip up to Pahang (Bentong, Raub, Klau) for a durian trip.  These 2 trips were quite an eye opener.  We saw the hilly slopes all over Pahang, filled with durian trees.  Almost every corner you looked, you see durian trees.  Almost every estate we drove by, we saw scattered few trees too.

The plantations in Pahang, are mostly growing Mao Shan Wang (MSW, aka Cat Mountain King or King of Cat Mountain) and D24 variant of durians.  

There are some plantations that explored into developing a small part of their plantation into resort stay.  Bearing in mind, most part of Pahang are easily 1,000 feet above sea level, a lot of greens, the air and temperature there are welcoming.  These resort stays will gain popularity in time to come.

We were also privilege to visit a plantation in Klau and met a few durian plantation owners/operators.  Through the dialogue, we understand the exponential market in China.  The volume they are able to absorb, is so huge, that even suppliers dare not commit.  There are different demands and market, different ways of storing and exporting durians.

It was a good trip (1-3 Sept 2017).  We made new friends, enjoyed good durians, ate great food (and if you do visit Bentong/Raub, do try the freshwater fishes at restaurants.  I'm hooked).


Brief Recent History
In the mid 90s, we saw an over supply of durian.  Prices plummet to as low as $1.20/kg for D24 (MSW wasn't available in Singapore then).  The depressed price caused losses to plantation owners.  Many plantations ended up chopping down their trees and switching to oil palm.  Supply and prices of durian start to 'recover and stabilized' in the late 90s and early 2000s.

The China and HK demand became known sometime in the early 2010.  Selling prices there is about S$100-$120/kg and order list were established even before durians were imported into those markets.  MSW durians were not sold in shops.

New preservation methods (simply using temperature to control further ripening) had opened up markets further.


Future Of Durian 
The new concern Singapore and Malaysia consumers will be bothered about, is the supply and prices.  The surge in prices this year and many realising the huge Chinese market, are raising concerns on the future supplies and prices.  

Looking at the swats of agriculture land used to plant durian trees, the trees looks rather young, many are hovering between the height of 15-30 feet.  These trees may not produce huge harvest in the coming years but I guess, it will start to mature in the coming 3-5 years.

In approximately 5 years, we should see supply increase tremendously (subjected to weather too).  I do believe supply can meet the new demand from China market, although I doubt it will bring prices down to what we experience years ago.  

Will we see another over supply situation like in the mid 90s?  Chances are slim.  Well, unless ground sentiments of the Chinese (like how they boycott Japan and South Korea from time to time) strikes between them and Malaysia.  

However, due to the huge swats of land being used to cultivate durians, we should see price equilibrium around the $18-20/kg region during the peak.

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Above is just my novice observations and opinion.

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. 

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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.

Flowering

Some of you may have heard of 1st flowering, 2nd flowering, etc.  What is it all about?

A single durian tree, during the same flowering season may have multiple flowering.  Flowers doesn't always blossom at the same time.  Flowering can be by:

-  scattered flower

-  first flowering

-  second flowering, etc.

Scattered flower is when only a few odd yet smaller bunch of flowers blossom and bears fruits.  1st/2nd flowering is where the bulk of the flowering takes place.  Some trees even goes into 3rd flowering.  Definitely, the more flowering, the weaker the quality of fruits, as all the nutrient have been given to the earlier flowering.

Sometimes, while the durian from 1st flowering is about mature, and dropping, 2nd flowering occurs.

The above photo is an example of different flowering, where a near full grown fruit is seen, together with new flowers, all from the same tree.

Let's start a trend, no more roses for e ladies.  We give them durian flowers instead.  Okok, I'm a kiam kana (stingy bugger)

More On Durian Plantation

Net Under Durian Tree

Some grounds are filled with rocks (hard ground) or some durians cracks easily.  Thus nets are tied at the bottom of the tree, where durians are.  This is to prevent the durian from hitting hard onto the ground.

Stick Supporting Branch

Sticks are used to support lower branches where a lot of durians are growing on the branch to prevent the branch from breaking (due to the weight)

Strings Tied To Branches

Strings used at the end of some branches, also to support the branch with stronger branch above.

Bottle Tied To Branch

Plastic bottle with an opening is usually hang on some branches/trees.  The bottle will contain some nectar or sorts, whatever that attract flies and insects so that insects doesn't attack the fruits.

Durians On Trees

 D101

Lau Tai Po (Old Lady)

 Mao San Wang (Cat Mountain King)

Mao San Wang (Cat Mountain King)

D24

D24 Up Close (possibly 500 durians on this tree alone)

Collection and Distribution

 The Fallen Durians

 Temporary Holding Area

Clearing Of Leaves Stuck To Durian And Packing Into Basket By Variety

Transport to Distribution Center/Area

Transportation to Distribution Center for Segregation

Durian picking and collection is a whole day affair.  Most durians seems to drop during the evening and at night.  It could be due to the change in weather, from the hot afternoon, to cool evening/night that cause the durian to separate from the stem.

Durians are placed together in the holding area. throughout the day.  A big pile of durians are usually collected.  


Clearing of dead leaves stuck to durians (using a hair brush or skewer sticks) are done usually in the afternoon, when there are lesser durians to pick.  During this clearing stage, the workers will segregate the durians by the variety.  Each plantation usually have a range of different durians.  The durians are then transported out of the plantation, to the distribution center.  


Some plantations are so huge, the durians are all loaded into the truck (without segregation).  Segregation will be performed at the distribution centers.  Driving of these fully loaded trucks from plantation to distribution center is a dangerous affair, due to the weight and higher center of gravity.


Most trucks leaves the distribution center at about 10am each day.  Durians from State of Johor will reach Singapore from about 12 noon.  Durians from State of Pahang will reach Singapore at a later time, from approximately 5pm onwards (due to the much longer travelling distance.

Durian Flowers

Not many people get to tour a real plantation.  Even if you visit a durian farm to consume durian, not many will bring you on a tour.


Durian trees takes about 8 to 10 years to mature.  A young tree may be as short as about 3 meters, and the first branch can be less than half a meter from ground (as seen above).


Durian flowers are quite a pretty sight.  Flowers are in a bunch (is there a proper name?) as seen above but not all of them will mature into fruits (just like many other fruit trees).


Many 'bouquet' can blossom per branch.  On some branches, you can even see 50 durians growing on it.  Too many fruits per branch is not very safe as the weight may end up breaking the branch.

Thus, some durian plantation owners will have some of these young fruits cut off.  As you may observe in the 4th photo above, there are some thin stems/stalks where a young fruit may have fall off or maybe even cut off.  This helps prevent too many durians growing together.


There are a few possible reasons:
-  Reduce amount of fruit, improve on quality
-  Reduce weight of durians per branch, so it doesn't break.
-  Prevent too many fruits per bunch, so it doesn't pull the other down when one falls.