D162 Tawa

Alright, durian lovers, let's chat about a hidden gem in the durian world: the D162 Tawa! This isn't your flashy Musang King or your boozy XO; Tawa is that quiet, unassuming friend who surprises you with their incredible depth.

Tawa's Little Secret

So, the D162 Tawa got its official papers in 1987. It was registered in Banting, Selangor, which is pretty cool. But here's the funny part: it's also rumored to be from Tawau in Sabah, which is probably how it got its name, "Tawa." It's like it has a secret identity, popping up in different places! You might even find it chilling in Tangkak too. This durian definitely gets around.

What's It Like to Meet a Tawa?

When you finally get your hands on a Tawa, you'll notice it's a medium-sized durian, kind of like that perfectly proportioned friend who just fits everywhere. It's usually elongated or oval, giving off those classic durian vibes.

Its skin is a laid-back yellowish-green or faded green, sometimes looking a bit like it forgot to match its outfit, but that's part of its charm! And the thorns? They're not those spiky monsters you usually see. Tawa's thorns are short and chunky on the sides, getting a bit skinnier at the ends. It's like the durian equivalent of having a buzz cut – neat and no-nonsense.

But here's a fun party trick: Tawa often has a cute little dimple at its bottom, deeper than the one on a D24. Sometimes, it even looks like a tiny flower blooming! And if you're like me and struggle to open durians without looking like you've wrestled a porcupine, you'll love that its seams are super clear. It's practically begging to be opened, which is a big win in my book! Plus, its husk is thin, meaning more delicious flesh for your buck. Score!

Diving Into the Good Stuff: The Flesh!

Now, for the main event: the flesh! When you crack open a Tawa, you're greeted by a beautiful milky yellow color. It's not a loud, in-your-face yellow, but a soft, inviting one.

The texture? Oh my. It's creamy, soft, and just melts in your mouth. It's got very little fiber, so you won't be flossing after this one. Just a heads-up: if it's super ripe, it can get a little wet, so be ready for that juicy goodness!

But the taste, my friends, the taste is where Tawa truly shines. It's famous for its deliciously bitter but sweet creamy taste. This isn't a shy kind of bitter; it's a bold one, often more bitter than even XO. It's like Tawa looked at all the other durians and said, "Nah, I'm going to be unapologetically bitter, with just enough sweetness to keep you coming back." The bitterness and sweetness are like a seesaw – if one goes up, the other goes down. Some say a less ripe Tawa might be sweeter, but honestly, most of us are chasing that glorious bitter kick. It's a straightforward bitterness, no weird "alcoholic buzz" like some other varieties. Just pure, unadulterated bitter-sweet bliss.

Finding Your Tawa Fix

So, where can you find this gem? Well, Tawa isn't as famous as the celebrity durians, and its supply can be a bit like that friend who only shows up every few years – unpredictable! You might get a bumper crop every 2-3 years, so when you see it, grab it! You will usually find them from June to August.

Even though it's not a household name, those of us who appreciate a good bitter durian absolutely adore Tawa. It's like finding a secret, exclusive club for bitter lovers, and Tawa is the VIP. Plus, with its thin husk and good flesh-to-fruit ratio, it's definitely great value for money. Your wallet and your taste buds will thank you.

So, if you are a "bitter lover" or just curious to explore beyond the usual suspects, definitely keep an eye out for the D162 Tawa. You might just discover your new favorite durian obsession!