D145 Tuan Mek Hijau / Beserah

Alright, durian lovers, gather 'round! Let me tell you about a true hidden gem in the durian world: the D145, also known by its cool aliases, Tuan Mek Hijau or Beserah.

A Bit of History (and Royal Intrigue!)

This durian isn't some new kid on the block. It was officially registered way back in 1981 in Pahang, Malaysia, but its real claim to fame goes back to the 1970s. There's even a legendary whisper that the Sultan of Pahang himself used to request all the D145 harvests for the palace. Talk about getting the royal treatment!

Now, you might think the famous Musang King (D197) would have pushed it aside, but nope! Many old-school farmers, bless their hearts, kept their D145 trees going, and some of them are almost 40 years old now. Why? Because this durian isn't just fruit; it's heritage. Finding it outside of Pahang is like finding a needle in a haystack – it's a niche durian with limited supply. The folks in Beserah believe their special soil and hilly vibes give it that unique flavor.

What's It Look Like?

Imagine a durian that's usually medium to large, around 1.5 kg, but sometimes you get a whopper close to 3 kg. Its shape is pretty rounded, sometimes a bit quirky, like it got squished in the womb and ended up kidney-shaped or a little lopsided. Hey, nobody's perfect, right?

The husk is mostly a lovely green, sometimes compared to the Green Skin 15, but don't get them mixed up! Its thorns are on the thicker, longer side, giving it that classic durian spiky look.

Now, for the good stuff – the flesh (aril):

• Color: Think gorgeous yellow to reddish, kind of a mix between Musang King and D13. Or, if you're feeling fancy, call it golden yellow or bronze-yellow.

• Texture: Oh, it's a dream! Thick, puffy, tender, and sticky, but not in an annoying "stuck to your teeth" way. It's firm, smooth, and creamy, with some folks even saying it's "slightly dry in a good way." Trust me, that's a compliment in durian speak.

• Flesh-to-seed ratio: Generally pretty good! You get a decent amount of delicious flesh, usually 1-2 arils per section.

The Taste Test: A Symphony in Your Mouth

This is where the D145 truly shines. It's not just one flavor; it's a whole experience! People describe it as:

• Slightly sweet

• Bitter (in the best possible way, of course!)

• Alcoholic (a little kick, anyone?)

• Floral

• Rich or creamy

• And it has this mysterious "cultured taste" - I'm not entirely sure what that means, but it sounds fancy, right?

It's that perfect dance between sweetness and bitterness. Plus, it doesn't have that super overpowering durian smell that some folks find...challenging. So, if you're a bit shy about the aroma, this one might be your new best friend.

When Can You Get Your Hands On It?

The D145 typically makes its grand appearance in the mid-season harvest, so keep your eyes peeled around July!