Interactive Tool

Durian Variety Comparison Tool

Compare two durian varieties side by side by taste, texture, aroma, price range, season, and rarity. Perfect for long-tail queries like “Musang King vs Black Thorn” before you buy in Penang.

Choose Two Varieties

D15 vs Black Gold (Empire King)

D15

Bitter and alcoholic, a tree-dropped D15 is hard to beat for those who enjoy strong-flavored durians. It offers a complex taste experience that is quite different from the sweeter varieties. Best enjoyed when dropped naturally from the tree to experience its full flavor profile.

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Black Gold (Empire King)

The Black Gold durian, also known as Empire King or Black Gold Musang King, is a highly prized and rare variety of durian. It is considered a premium grade of the popular Musang King (Mao Shan Wang) durian. The flavor is intensely complex with a sophisticated bitterness that reveals layers of deep sweetness. The texture is exceptionally creamy and buttery, offering a luxurious mouthfeel.

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Metric D15 Black Gold (Empire King)
Flavor profile Strong bitter, Sweet Strong bitter, sweet
Texture Buttery, creamy, smooth Creamy, velvety, smooth
Aroma Strong, pungent Mild
Taste notes Powerful Bitter Punch Deeply complex and intense flavor
Price range RM18 - RM20 per kg RM60 - RM100 per kg
Season June - August June - August
Popularity Medium High
Rarity signal Semi-Rare Common

Quick Verdict Snapshot

  • Price: D15 averages around RM19.00 vs RM80.00 for Black Gold (Empire King).
  • Bitterness style: Both show bitter/complex signals; choose based on desired finish and aroma intensity.
  • Creaminess: Both include creamy descriptors; final choice depends on whether you prefer heavier or cleaner finish.
  • Buying tip: Ask sellers for your target profile directly, e.g., “bitter creamy sticky-dry” or “sweet mild less pungent.”

FAQ

Which is better for first-time eaters?

Usually the milder aroma and less bitter profile is easier for beginners. Use the comparison table to identify lower intensity options.

Can I trust popularity as quality?

Popularity helps with consistency and availability, but quality still changes by season lot, ripeness, and handling at each stall.

Should I compare by price or taste first?

Start with taste and texture target first, then optimize by price range. The most expensive option is not always your best match.