D101 Red Flesh

D101 durian! You know, the one sometimes called "Red Flesh" or "Mas Muar." Don't get it twisted with other red durians though, like Red Prawn – D101 is its own unique superstar, a real one-of-a-kind.

What's This Durian Like, Anyway?

So, imagine a durian that's usually medium to big – we're talking about 2 to 3 kilograms. It's almost perfectly round, like a little green bowling ball, but with dark green skin and little brown tips. Now, about those spikes? Oh boy, they're everywhere! Long, sharp, and just pointing every which way. It's seriously one of the spikiest durians out there, so handle with care, folks!

The cool thing is, even with all those spikes, it's often super easy to open. It's like the durian knows you're eager to get to the good stuff. The stem is straight and sturdy, and the bald spot where the spikes meet the stem is pretty distinctive, kind of like D24.

Diving Into the Deliciousness

Now for the best part: the flesh! It's this beautiful bright golden yellow, sometimes with hints of orange or even a reddish tint – hence the "Red Flesh" nickname. It looks so smooth and creamy, no wrinkles here!

And the texture? Oh, it's a dream. Think thick, creamy, and moist, but not in a watery way. It's like a smooth, soft, custard-like paste in your mouth. Plus, there's hardly any stringy stuff, which is always a win. The seeds are usually on the smaller side, too, leaving plenty of room for that amazing flesh.

Smell, Taste, and That Special Something

The smell of D101 is pretty chill compared to some of its louder durian cousins. It's got this intoxicating scent with hints of sweet vanilla and caramel. Mmm, fancy!

And the taste? It's a delightful dance of flavors. You get a delicate sweetness, like vanilla, balanced with just a hint of bitterness and sometimes a touch of sourness. It's not one of those durians that knocks you out with sugar, which is great for folks who prefer something a bit more mellow. It can have layers of bittersweet goodness, and a genuinely good D101 will leave you with a pleasant sweet-bitter aftertaste and that "shot up the nose" sensation. Some even say it's like a milder version of the famous Mao Shan Wang. High praise indeed!

Where Does This Gem Come From?

The D101 is a proud Malaysian variety, super common here, especially from places like Johor and Melaka. These durian trees love a good warm, humid climate, and they're not too picky about soil, as long as it drains well. They're sun worshippers, so full to partial sun is their jam.

When Can You Get Your Hands on It?

Durian trees need a little dry spell to get those flowers going. In Peninsular Malaysia, the northern parts see flowers from January to March, while the central and southern regions often get two flowering seasons: February to April and July to September.

So, when can you actually eat a D101? You'll generally find them during Malaysia's southwest monsoon season, usually from May through early August. But here's a little secret: they often pop up in the late season too, from September to October, which is awesome because it means the durian party keeps going even as other varieties are winding down. Malaysia typically has two main durian seasons, peaking around June-July and November-December.