D11

Alright, about D11 durian! If you are a durian lover, you have probably heard whispers about this one, and for good reason.

A Bit of History (No, Not the Boring Kind!)

So, the D11? She's a true Penangite, born and bred right here in Penang. We are talking old-school cool, one of those varieties that's been around the block a few times. Think of her as that wise old auntie in the family – been here, seen it all, and still got it. A lot of the D11 you see today probably came from trees that are practically ancient. Respect!

Getting Up Close and Personal

Now, let's talk about what she looks like, 'cause you know, first impressions count!

• Size Matters (But Not Always!): She's not trying to be the biggest durian on the block, usually just a humble little thing, about the size of a really big apple or a small melon. Perfect for a solo snack attack, if you ask me.
• Her Outfit: Her husk is usually this neat, oval shape, almost like a perfect egg. And the color? A chill light green that sometimes mellows out to a greenish-brown, kinda like she's been sunbathing. Oh, and her thorns? They're like perfect little pointy soldiers standing at attention – straight up, no messing around.
• The Big Reveal: This is where she shines! D11 is famous for being super easy to open. Sometimes, they even start to crack open at the seams before you even buy 'em, or they'll just pop open naturally a few hours after they drop from the tree. It's like she's saying, "Come on in, the water's fine!"
• What's Inside?: Once you crack her open, you're greeted with this lovely creamy yellow flesh. It's got a slightly rough texture, but in a good way – not too dry, not too wet, just right. Now, some folks might say the flesh layer is a bit thin compared to those fancy new durians, but honestly, what she lacks in thickness, she totally makes up for in taste. And her seeds? Regular joe seeds, nothing too wild or crazy there.

The Taste Test (The Fun Part!)

This is where the D11 really wins hearts. She's all about that balance.

• The Flavor Lowdown: Imagine a rich sweetness that's got just a whisper of bitterness to keep things interesting. Think notes of caramel and vanilla dancing on your tongue. Some folks even say it tastes like a sweet, nutty, "butter-cookie-dough" dream, or just pure vanilla simplicity. What you won't get is that intense bitterness or alcoholic kick that some other durians punch you with. And sometimes, you'll even catch a lovely floral note – seriously, a floral durian! Who knew?
• The Scent-sation: Unlike some durians that announce their arrival from a mile away, the D11 is pretty chill with her aroma. It's mild, subtly sweet, and nutty. She's not trying to overpower your senses, which is great if you're new to the durian world or just prefer something a bit more laid-back.
• The Mouthfeel: The flesh is creamy, with that slightly coarse or dry and sticky texture. It's almost like a piece of chocolate melting in your mouth. Pure bliss!

When Can You Get Your Hands on Her?

She's an early bird, the D11. Her season usually kicks off around May and runs through August, with the first fruits often dropping in early May. If you are looking for her, your best bet is Penang, Malaysia – that's her stomping ground. During her season, you will find her chilling at local markets and with specialized durian sellers.

She's a Keeper!

One cool thing about the D11 is how well she holds up. Even after her husk cracks open, she keeps her flavor and quality like a champ, often staying fresh for up to 12 hours after dropping from the tree. That's pretty impressive, 'cause some other durian divas get all watery and sad if they are exposed for too long. Not our D11!

The Verdict?

Honestly, the D11 durian is a total gem. She's got that perfect sweet-and-slightly-bitter thing going on, a creamy texture that melts in your mouth, and a gentle aroma that won't knock your socks off. If you are a durian newbie, or just someone who prefers a less intense experience, she's definitely your girl. Plus, being from Penang and having that amazing shelf life after dropping? She's popular for all the right reasons.

So, next durian season, are you going to give the D11 a try?