D165 Green Thorn
Sweet & Strong Bitterness Thick, creamy, wet Medium PopularityGreen Thorn, also known as Cheh Chee, is a creamy durian with a nice, sweet, light, fragrant floral taste. This fruit is notably sweet with some bitterness and has a rich, creamy texture, making it a highly sought-after delicacy. The fruit has a melon-like shape and bright green skin (thus the name), with seeds that are rather big and yellowish pulp (color like fresh butter) that is slightly fibrous but 'liam chooi'. This durian is also called Green Skin 15, but don't confuse it with D145 Green Skin.
Price Range
RM18 - RM35 per kg
Season
June - July
Taste
Sweet & Strong Bitterness
Aroma
Light, fragrant, floral
Where to Find
Try checking around the durian stalls in George Town and Balik Pulau
Flavor Profile
Characteristics
Personal Comment for D165 Green Thorn
Inspect the Durian and Confirm Prices
Always begin by examining the displayed durians. If many appear subpar, be more caution and it's wise to look elsewhere.
Durian prices are highly variable, much like currency exchange rates. What you paid previously, even recently, might not apply today or tomorrow. Therefore, always confirm the price, even if a tag is visible, to avoid surprises after packing (e.g., being told the displayed price was for a different durian).
And given the highly personal nature of taste – everyone experiences flavors like sweetness and bitterness uniquely – it's best to trust your own palate by requesting a tasting from the seller.
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Ah, the legendary D165 Green Thorn durian — or as I like to call it, “the spiky champion with attitude.” If you are a durian lover with a bit of a rebellious side, this one’s for you.
Let me break it down for you.
First off, this durian isn’t just a pretty (green) face. It’s a champion — literally! It took home the crown back in 1990 and made a grand comeback in 2023. Locals in Penang still talk about it like it’s the Rambo of durians. It also answers to names like “Cheh Chee” or “Green Skin 15.” But don’t mix it up with D145 Green Skin — that’s a whole different story. D165 has its own fan club.
The Backstory:
This durian’s origin is Penang, Malaysia — home of some of the boldest durians out there. Rumour has it that it sprouted from a Thai durian called Chanee (D15). That “15” in the nickname “Green Skin 15”? Yep, a nod to its Thai daddy. Durian drama? Always.
Let’s Talk Looks – the Husk Edition:
Color: Green. Like, unapologetically green.
Shape: Imagine something between an avocado and a rugby ball. Round-oval, but sometimes it surprises you with a pear shape.
Size: It’s a big boy. We’re talking about 2kg of pure durian power.
Thorns: Slim and stylish like someone gelled up for a durian prom, or bold and spiky like it’s going into battle.
Stem: This part’s fun. It’s got a chunky “lip” at the end of the stem that looks like the top of a beer bottle. If your durian doesn’t have this lip — uh-oh, it might be a lookalike or a tampered impostor.
Fragility: Don’t be fooled by its tough-guy appearance. Drop it once, and it might crack like your phone screen without a case. Delicate ego, perhaps?
The Inside Scoop – Literally:
Flesh Color: Usually a soft pastel yellow, but sometimes it throws a surprise with orange or even darker undertones. If it’s orange-y, people call it “green skin ang bak.” Sounds like a durian superhero name.
Texture: Thick, creamy, and luxuriously wet — like it’s fresh from a spa day. The flesh even shines a little. Some people say glossy flesh is the sign of a high-quality durian. I say it’s just showing off.
Seeds: Medium-sized — not too big, not too tiny. Like the Goldilocks of seeds.
Taste Test:
Okay, here’s where Green Thorn earns its stripes. It’s not shy. The taste is bold — sweet, but with a strong bitter kick that durian veterans adore. If you like bitter Musang King, this one might steal your heart (and possibly your taste buds). There’s also an alcoholic twist in there — some say it’s like taking a quick shot of whiskey. I say it’s a party in a fruit. And there’s a light floral note at the end, just to keep things classy.
Season Time:
If you are durian hunting in Penang, your best shot is between June and July. That’s when Green Thorn shows up and shows off. Though Malaysia’s overall durian season runs from May to September, Penang folks know that’s Green Thorn’s moment to shine.
So yeah, the D165 Green Thorn durian isn’t just another fruit. It’s an experience — one that comes with a kick, a story, and a lot of character. If you ever meet one in the wild (or at the market), give it a go… just don’t drop it.