Durian Selection Tips & Advice

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned durian lover, these tips will help you select, enjoy, and make the most of your durian experience in Penang.

How to Select a Good Durian

Selecting the perfect durian is part science, part art, and part experience. Even seasoned durian lovers sometimes get it wrong, but with these tips, we hope you will improve your chances of finding that finger-licking good durian with creamy, flavorful flesh most of the time.. Whether you're a first-timer or a durian enthusiast, these practical tips will help you navigate the complexities of durian selection, opening, and tasting.

Check the Stem

A freshly fallen durian will have a stem that is moist and greenish. If the stem is dry, dark, or shriveled, the durian may be old. The stem should be intact and full, not broken or damaged.

Smell Test

Smell the durian at its bottom seams. A ripe durian will have a strong, distinct aroma. If there's little to no smell, it may be unripe. If it smells fermented or alcoholic, it might be overripe.

Shake Test

Hold the durian close to your ear and give it a gentle shake. You should hear the flesh moving slightly inside a perfectly ripe durian. If there's no sound, the fruit might be unripe or old and dry.

Press Test

Gently press the seams where the durian segments meet. If there is some give but it doesn't feel too soft, the durian is likely ripe. Too hard means unripe, too soft means overripe.

Weight Test

A good durian should feel heavy for its size, indicating juicy flesh inside. If it feels light, it might have less flesh or be dried out. Compare durians of similar sizes to find the heavier ones.

Timing Matters

Try to purchase durians that have fallen within the last 12-24 hours. Ask the vendor when the durian fell or was harvested. The fresher it is, the better it will taste.

Ripeness Indicators

Durians don’t continue to ripen after being picked, so selecting at the optimal ripeness is crucial:

Ideal Ripeness: Small cracks between thorns, mild aroma, slightly soft when pressed gently.
Under-ripe Signs: Very hard exterior, no aroma, no movement when shaken.
Over-ripe Signs: Very strong aroma, visible mold on stem, too soft when pressed.

Tip:

When in doubt, ask the durian seller to choose and open the fruit for you based on your taste preferences (sweet vs. bitter, creamy vs. fibrous).

Tips for Farm Visits

📅

Best Timing

✔ Peak season runs from June to August
✔ Call farms ahead to check fruit availability
✔ Early morning visits offer freshly fallen fruits
✔ Weekdays are less crowded than weekends

✅

What to Bring

✔ Comfortable shoes for walking around farms
✔ Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes
✔ Cash, as many farms don't accept cards
✔ Reusable containers if you plan to bring durians back

⚠️

Farm Etiquette

✔ Respect farm boundaries and follow guides
✔ Don't shake trees or pick fruits yourself
✔ Clean hands before handling fruits
✔ Dispose of seeds and husks in designated areas

📅

Peak Season

June-July

🌳

Best Region

Balik Pulau

💰

Price Range

RM8-150/kg

Plan Your Durian Adventure

When to Visit

Peak Season: June to July
Extended Season: May through August

Tips for First-Time Visitors

🍏

Try multiple varieties to discover your preference – everyone's taste is different!

⏰

Visit farms early in the day for the freshest selection.

👕

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking around farms.

💡

Friendly Tip

New to durians? Start with sweeter varieties like Red Prawn or Hor Lor, which are more approachable for beginners. Once your palate develops, explore the complex bitter-sweet profiles of premium varieties like Musang King and Black Thorn.

Selection Tips by Durian Variety

Musang King (D197)

Look for a pyramid-shaped bottom with a visible star pattern
Spikes should be pyramidal and more widely spaced
Shell should have a brownish-green to olive color
Aroma should be strong but not overpowering

Black Thorn (D200)

Look for a blackish/reddish "thorn" at the bottom of the stem
Shell should have a greenish hue with short, dense thorns
Should feel heavy for its typically smaller size
Aroma should be strong with bittersweet notes

Red Prawn (D175)

Shape is typically oval and symmetrical
Shell should have a reddish-green hue
Spines are thin and close together
Aroma is less intense but with sweet notes

D24 (Sultan)

Generally round to oval in shape
Shell is usually a pale green color
Thorns are more uniform and evenly spaced
Aroma is moderate with bittersweet notes

XO

Typically small to medium-sized
Shell is usually light green to yellowish
Spikes are typically shorter and dense
Strong alcoholic aroma, stronger when fully ripe

Kampung Varieties

Very variable in shape and size
Often smaller with green to brownish shells
Rely more on smell test to judge ripeness
Typically more variable in flavor intensity

How to Open a Durian

1

Find the Seams

Look for natural seams where the segments join together. There are typically 4-6 seams running from top to bottom.

2

Use a Knife (Optional)

Insert a knife into one of the seams at the bottom of the fruit. Some durians can be opened with hands alone if ripe enough.

3

Pry It Open

Apply pressure to split the durian along the seam. Use both hands to pull the segments apart.

4

Continue Opening

Once the first seam is split, continue opening the other seams until the fruit is fully open.

5

Extract the Flesh

Remove the flesh pods from each segment. Enjoy eating directly or use a spoon to scoop the flesh.

Safety Tip

Always wear disposable gloves or use a cloth when handling durian. The spikes are sharp and can cause injury. Be careful not to cut too deep when using a knife.

Tips for Opening Durian

For thornier varieties like Musang King, use thick gloves or a towel for better grip.
If the durian is particularly difficult to open, try scoring along the seams with a sharp knife first.
Some vendors can open the durian for you if you're uncomfortable doing it yourself.
After opening, use the top half of the shell as a "bowl" to hold the segments as you eat.

Interesting Facts and Beliefs

🥤

Drinking salt water from the durian husk to cool down the body: This is a popular belief in Southeast Asia. Some people believe that durian is a "heaty" fruit and drinking water from the husk, especially with a bit of salt, can help to counteract this effect and cool the body down. While there's no strong scientific evidence to support this, it's a widely practiced tradition. Some theories suggest that compounds in the husk might react with the sulfur compounds in the durian, potentially reducing the "heatiness".

🍈

Eating mangosteen with durian is supposed to be good: Mangosteen is often referred to as the "queen of fruits" and durian the "king." In traditional Chinese medicine, durian is considered a "heaty" food, while mangosteen is considered "cooling." Eating them together is believed to create a balance in the body, counteracting the potential "heatiness" of the durian. Plus, the sweet and slightly tangy flavor of mangosteen can be a refreshing contrast to the rich and intense taste of durian.

🔢

Some people believe that the shape of the durian indicates the number of seeds or the size of the flesh inside. While there might be a general tendency for certain shapes to have more or less flesh, it's not a foolproof method for predicting the exact number or size of seeds.

👃

Sniffing the durian near the stem and along the seams is a common way to gauge its ripeness and aroma. A ripe durian should have a strong, pungent aroma. If it's too faint, it might be unripe; if it smells overwhelmingly strong or even fermented, it might be overripe.

👋

Tapping the durian can also give an indication of ripeness. A ripe durian often produces a hollow sound when tapped, suggesting the flesh has started to soften and there might be some air space inside.

🌱

Some durian lovers look for durians with a specific color of the husk and spikes. For example, green spikes with brown tips are sometimes considered a sign of good ripeness for certain varieties.

🧊

Some durian lovers look for durians with a specific color of the husk and spikes. For example, green spikes with brown tips are sometimes considered a sign of good ripeness for certain varieties.

It's fascinating how many traditions and beliefs surround this unique fruit! While some of these tips are based on cultural practices rather than scientific evidence, they definitely add to the whole experience of enjoying durian.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if a durian is perfectly ripe?

A perfectly ripe durian will have a strong aroma, feel heavy for its size, and have some give when you press on the seams. The stem should look fresh and not dried out. A slight rattling sound when shaken indicates the flesh has the right consistency.

Is it true that durians that fall naturally are better?

Yes, naturally fallen durians are generally considered to be at peak ripeness and flavor. Durians that are harvested before falling might not have fully developed their flavors. Look for durians with fresh stems indicating recent falls.

How long can I keep a durian before eating it?

Whole durians can be kept at room temperature for 2-4 days, depending on how ripe they were when purchased. For longer storage, opened durian flesh can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, or frozen for up to 2 months.

🤫For us...

Eating fresh durian is super yummy. And if you're like us and buy a LOT (like, a crazy amount!), here's a cool tip.

Put it in the freezer! Seriously, it's a game-changer. You can keep it for months, and it doesn't lose its flavor. In fact, it gets even better! Just ensure that the durian and the container are completely dry before putting them in the freezer.

Seriously! It can last for months (even though it is not recommended to be more than 2 months). And guess what? Frozen durian tastes, like, REALLY durian-licious. Every bite is a big burst of happy flavor. It's hard to explain how good it is. You might want to try it. And of course you have to defrost it first, for about 30 minutes or so before eating it. But don't wait too long or it will be mushy and watery.

So, if you bought too much durian, don't waste it. Freeze it! You might be surprised at how awesome it is.

Why are some durians more expensive than others?

Price varies based on variety, quality, and seasonality. Premium varieties like Musang King and Black Thorn are more expensive due to their desirable flavor profiles and limited supply. During off-season periods, prices can be significantly higher.

How do I get rid of durian smell on my hands?

To remove durian smell from your hands, rub them with the inside of the durian shell under cold running water. Alternatively, wash with salt or coffee grounds, or use stainless steel soap. Rubbing hands with lemon juice or vinegar can also help neutralize the smell.

Is it true that you shouldn't drink alcohol with durian?

This is a common belief in Southeast Asian cultures. While scientific evidence is limited, some studies suggest that durian might inhibit alcohol metabolism. To be safe, many people avoid consuming alcohol shortly before or after eating durian.