604
Sweet, fibrous Thin, watery, sticky Low PopularityA sweet and fibrous durian, 604 is one of the earliest durians to drop in the season. It has a thin shell and cracks easily, so you will want to hit the stalls early in the morning to get the best quality 604. Its early availability makes it a welcome treat for durian lovers at the start of the season.
Price Range
RM20 - RM30 per kg
Season
Mid May onwards
Taste
Sweet, fibrous
Aroma
Mild
Where to Find
You should be able to find this at many durian orchards and roadside durian stalls in and around Balik Pulau and all around Penang
Flavor Profile
Characteristics
Personal Comment for 604
Inspect the Durian and Confirm Prices
Always begin by examining the displayed durians. If many appear subpar, be more caution and it's wise to look elsewhere.
Durian prices are highly variable, much like currency exchange rates. What you paid previously, even recently, might not apply today or tomorrow. Therefore, always confirm the price, even if a tag is visible, to avoid surprises after packing (e.g., being told the displayed price was for a different durian).
And given the highly personal nature of taste – everyone experiences flavors like sweetness and bitterness uniquely – it's best to trust your own palate by requesting a tasting from the seller.
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So, let's talk about the 604 durian, this one's been around since the 80s, chilling in Penang, just doing its durian thing. It's like the wise elder of the durian world, dropping early in the season and blessing us with its presence when we're all still craving that first taste of durian goodness. And get this, the trees are super productive, so you know there's always enough to go around!
My Take on the 604's Vibe
Now, when you see a 604, it's not going to be some giant monster durian. It's more of a medium-sized champ, usually clocking in at around 1 to 1.5 kg. Perfect for a solo session or sharing with a pal without feeling overwhelmed. The rind is a nice green, and yeah, those spines are pointy, so watch your fingers! Sometimes, the shell can be a bit thin and might even crack open easily – almost like it's saying, "Here I am, just dig in!"
Inside the 604: A Peek at the Good Stuff
Peeling it open, you're greeted by this gorgeous, creamy yellow flesh. Sometimes it's a bit paler—especially if it's from a higher elevation, giving it a cool, slightly grayish sheen or even a brownish tint. The aril (that's the fleshy part) can be inconsistent, thin and watery, but if you're lucky, it can be thick and firm. As for the seeds, they are usually medium to large, though every now and then you might get the pleasant surprise of a smaller one. It's like a little lottery!
The Taste Test: Sweet, Nutty, and a Little Numb
The taste? Oh, it's a journey! The 604 is generally all about that sweet and nutty flavor. But don't be fooled, it often throws in a little curveball with a touch of bitterness, leaving you with this lovely sweet-bitter aftertaste. Some folks even describe it as silky, with a slight "numbing" sensation at the end (though we ourselves have never tasted that numbness before).
Honestly, if you are new to the durian scene, the 604 may be a good starter. It's not too intense, and easy to finish. 604 is quite common in Penang and won’t break the bank. Basically, it’s the reliable, go-to durian to kick off your durian season.