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KUALA LUMPUR – Musang King’s buttery, thick and robust flavour with a hint of bitterness makes it a firm favourite among durian lovers even though there are newer varieties of the fruit, such as J Sparrow (D216) and Jerai (D217), as well as Tuhan Kasi and Black Thorn.
Durian orchard owner Eric Lee Tze Peng said Musang King, also known as Raja Kunyit, remains unchallenged in its popularity as domestic and international demand is still high.
He added that Musang King (D197) was registered with the Agriculture Department in 1993 and has yet to be “dethroned” despite the many durian varieties out there.
I am confident that Musang King is still the champion unless it is attacked by disease or the J Sparrow and Jerai varieties are commercialised more widely. The local market for new durians is not big.
“Musang King has global recognition. For now, I’m sure, the new durian varieties won’t be able to compete. Perhaps that will change in 10 or 20 years,” he told Getaran, The Vibes’ Bahasa Malaysia sister portal.
While the J Sparrow, Jerai and Tuhan Kasi varieties may have garnered some interest, Lee said durian lovers still prefer Musang King as high quality specimens have buttery flesh with a slight bitter taste.
“Musang King, Black Thorn and D24 are beloved. If you find a cheap Musang King, it won’t be Grade A as to get a good fruit you need good weather. It is not easy.
“It also fetches a high price because of the maintenance needed compared to kampung durians or clones.”
Another orchard owner, Mohammad Suhir Ihsan, agreed that new varieties will not affect Musang King’s popularity.
It will take more than 10 years to establish a new durian variety. You need to test them against diseases, output potential and fruit quality.
“So far 217 varieties are registered, including J Sparrow and Jerai. It’s tough to introduce new ones to the market.”
He added that Musang King and Black Thorn are widely cultivated on tens of thousands of acres to fulfil demand.
However, he said new varieties provide good competition and options for consumers even though they may not fetch high prices.
For trader Rahmat Tarmizi, competition and reduced prices for durians are an effect of the high demand for the fruits, especially Musang King.
“I get a lot of pre-orders for the established varieties. The new types won’t affect my sales as my prices are not exorbitant. I want everyone to have a chance to afford Pahang durians.”
On Monday, the Kedah Veterinary Department unveiled the J Sparrow and Jerai durians that were planted at an orchard in Kg Ketapang, Sg Tok Pawang in Bedong near Sg Petani.
It is said that among the characteristics of the J Sparrow durian is its light yellow-brown flesh with average sweetness and moderate bitterness.
The flesh of the Jerai variety is light yellow and has a strong aroma with a very creamy texture. The J Sparrow is being sold at between RM35 and RM45 per kg, and the Jerai variant at RM20 to RM35 per kg. – The Vibes, June 26, 2022
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