D158 Kan Yau

D158 Kan Yau is a durian that's got a bit of a quirky personality. Now, this isn't your everyday durian you just stumble upon. Think of it as the sophisticated, slightly elusive cousin in the durian family.

So, Where Did This "Long Stem" Come From?

First off, its name, Kan Yau, basically means "long stem" in Thai. And boy, does it live up to it! We are talking stems that are like, twice the length of a normal durian's. It's almost comically long, making it look like it's reaching out for a hug... or maybe just trying to escape the fruit entirely! It originated in Thailand, way back in 1927 in a place called Nonthaburi Province. Imagine, people were enjoying this durian before color TV was even a thing! It's officially known as D158, registered back in 1987.

What Makes This Durian Tick?

So, what's it like once you get past that long stem?

• Size Matters (Sometimes): These guys are usually medium to large, weighing in at about 2 to 4.5 kilograms. They're pretty round, like a happy little football or a big lychee.

• The Spiky Outfit: Its skin is usually a pale green to light brown, covered in sharp, triangular spikes. Sometimes, you even get thorns growing on the seams, just to keep things interesting.

• The Golden Goodness Inside: Ah, the flesh! It's a gorgeous golden-yellow, almost like a young Musang King. The texture is where it really shines. It's thick, dense, and has this amazing sticky creaminess. Seriously, it's like a natural peanut butter, but way better. The stickier, the higher quality, they say! Even if you let it get a bit overripe (oops!), it still holds its smooth, somewhat firm texture.

• A Taste of Class: Unlike some durians that punch you in the face with their aroma, the Kan Yau is more subtle. It has a mild, sweet, and wonderfully floral aroma. The taste is richly sweet with a lovely, lingering bittersweet aftertaste. It’s not aggressively pungent, making it a truly luxurious experience. It's the kind of durian you slowly savor, not inhale.

• Seed Situation: The seeds are generally small and hard, but sometimes you might find a few larger ones. Hey, nobody's perfect, right?

• The "Messy Hair" Look: When you crack one open, sometimes the pulp can look a bit… dishevelled. Like it just rolled out of bed with "messy hair." That's because its thin, sticky skin can cling and tear a bit when you open it. But trust me, that just adds to its charm!

How Rare Is This Gem?

Let's just say you won't find Kan Yau durians on every street corner. They are a rare variety, especially the ones from Thailand. In Nonthaburi, they're practically treated like royalty, often pre-purchased before they even ripen! Farmers even wrap them in plastic and give them umbrellas to keep them happy and bug-free. Talk about pampered durians!

They also take their sweet time to grow, with a flowering period that's quite long – around 120 to 130 days. So, when you get your hands on one, you know it's been a labor of love.

Why People Love It

People absolutely adore the Kan Yau for its quality, and it's often given as a fancy gift. If you are looking for a durian that's a bit more refined, with a gentle aroma and a sublime, sticky sweetness, the Kan Yau might just be your new favorite. Just remember that long stem!