Durian

Malaysians adore the “king of fruits” – the Musang King variety from Pahang is considered the most coveted durian in Asia.

The durian is a tall evergreen tree of the mallow family, with leaves that are glossy above and coppery-silver beneath. Its creamy-white flowers hang in clusters straight from the branches, open after dark and are pollinated mainly by bats. The spiky fruits, usually weighing 1–3 kg, fall from the tree only when ripe – so in season it is best not to stand beneath the crown. Inside the fruit’s chambers lie large seeds wrapped in creamy flesh with a complex, sweet flavour and a very powerful smell, because of which the fruit is banned from many hotels and vehicles.

Significance in the country

In season, roadside stalls offer dozens of varieties identified by codes such as D24 or D197 – the latter is Musang King, named after the town of Gua Musang in Kelantan. Grown mainly around Raub in Pahang, this variety has become an export hit in China and one of Malaysia’s culinary symbols.

Where it grows

In orchards and home gardens throughout the country; the most famous plantations are in Pahang (Raub, Bentong), Johor, Perak and Penang, and on Borneo in Sabah and Sarawak, where wild durian species also grow.

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