Dream Lover 梦中情人

This year's (2017) weather was a subset from 2016 where it was El Nino in 2016 and La Nina in 2017. These weather phenomenon are bad in many aspect, be it for coral reefs and marine life, to agriculture.  

Effects of these weather phenomenon on durians are pronounced.  During El Nino, the extreme hot and dry weather caused trees to stop or produce very little flowers.  Due to the extreme dry weather, even if there are durians, the quality will be bad.  On the other hand, La Nina is very bad for flowering as the rainfall will bring flowers and young durian down with it, thus causing a shortfall of durian.

Anyway... 

An weekend getaway to Melaka introduced me to a durian variant that I've never tried before nor heard off.  Not too sure if there is really such a durian variant or just some fancy name by the seller.  Nonetheless, here's my venture.

As I was in Melaka (Malaysia), I ventured towards Portuguese settlement, as I remember seeing durians sold along the street there.  As I turned into the street, I noticed the first shop, thus I pulled over.  There were not much durians being sold at the stall, but the are a few variants including a couple of each, Mao Shan Wang, D101, D13, follow by some other durians which are lesser knowns.

The seller recommended me to this variant which he said, Meng Zhong Qing Ren (Dream Lovers).  So I curiously asked, what's the taste like?  

I choose 2 durians to try, which weigh a total of 3kg.  From the lot, these durians are average sized, mainly round and comes with short thorns.  The shell color isn't ravishing green but just a shade off.  

Round durians usually has more seeds per side, but this durian only have mainly 2 seeds per side, or some sides with only 1 seed.  So don't expect too many seeds per durian.

The seed size are quite large or should I say, regular sized.  

Flesh wise, it is nicely yellow, winkled and texture are sufficient (not too soft, nor is it too thick).  Looks of the flesh itself, it is appealing.  

Taste test!  It is bitter sweet with a good presence of the taste akin to those kampung durian, not like those distinctly cult like taste of Mao Shan Wang.  I like it!  Kampung durian taste are more aromatic and flavourful, yet it is not overwhelming.  I can't register if it has a hint of this or that.

Overall I would rate this durian 8/10!  WORTH IT!

Durian Season 2017 - March, The Delayed Season. The Secret Durian Is Here.

Why is durian season so odd this time?  Typical year end season starts sometime in late November and ends around February.  This year, there were little durian, scattered throughout more months.  I suspect this has to do with last year's El Nino.

Durian trees didn't flower as much as it usually does, but flowering were scattered into multiple flowering session.

Last few weeks, I was consuming mostly Jing Feng, Mao Shan Wang, Tai Yuen and Red Prawn.

At about 4pm today, durian guys contacted me and showed me this photo....

They know I have been desiring for Five Finger Durian (or Kun Poh).

The first and last time I had this, was probably 2 years ago. Knowing it's a Ipoh breed of durian. I have plans to ride up to Ipoh at the end of April to look for this durian, and I was pleasantly surprised today.

This is a uncommon durian variant.  They only manage to get 1 basket today, and I was told they should be getting it for the next 1 to 2 weeks.

But don't go rushing down looking for it. Firstly, supply is limited but not all durian lovers appreciates this variant.

Majority of consumers are rather staunch towards limited range of durians (eg only knows MSW and popular variants... boring). That's perfectly great. Your lost is my gain. The lesser people knows or appreciates this, the higher my chance of eating it.  I had done 1 full write up on this durian variant so I shall not repeat it here.

I'll be going down again tomorrow evening.

A few photos helps.

See how thick and fleshing it is?

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I went down on Saturday 18/3/17, after being lured. I went again on Sunday as I haven't had enough.  Or should I say, it's never enough. I'll go again soon.

---------------------  July 2017 --------------------- 

This year's durian season likely to be scattered and short due to the weather phenomenon (La Nina).  The heavy rainfall resulted in flowers being brought down with it, thus resulting in lesser fruits.

Nonetheless, I understood some durian stalls already starting getting supplies from their suppliers.  The range of durians includes Ganghai, D13, D101, Jing Feng, just to name a few. 

Prices for this season won't be cheap due to the low supply.

Durian Season 2016 - Year End

Some are already craving for durian. After all, it's been 2 months since most last had their cravings satisfied.

Do not rush into it yet. I have not gone on my search but I believe what you see currently (since mid Sept till at least late Nov) are Thailand durians.

Thailand durians can be nice (as in, suiting taste buds of Singaporeans and Malaysians). Just make sure you are not sold passed off durians (Thai as Malaysia durians).

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18/11/2016
Malaysia durian season has just started with some stalls selling Ganghai.  

01/12/2016
Have you started your feast?  Currently, there are several variants of durians available in the market, mostly D13, D17, MSW, Ganghai.  Information from source, D13 and D17 are good.  MSW and Ganghai, well, if your craving is strong, go for it.  Else, wait another week.

My simple self guide.  Feasting on popular variants of durians such as D24 and MSW supply from Johor and Pahang as follows:
-  Mid year, Johor
-  Year end, Pahang.


03/12/2016
Just tried D13, D17 and Tekka.

This particular D13 I took, weighs 2.5kg.  Very rich in color, smooth flesh, and the usual sweet (slight hint of bitter) taste.

D17 was said to be bitter but this one wasn't as bitter as I was expecting (around 8/10 bitterness).  Taste and durian pungent was acceptable, not exceptional.

Lastly, Tekka.  It was the best among the 3.  It satisfied my craving, for now.  The nice tone, rich taste, just what I wanted.  It's not so bitter, so it should go well with most consumers.

Will wait another week or so for Pahang durians to larger supplies to arrive.  There are small volume available, but cost is too high, thus not many durian stalls selling Pahang durian for now.