D198 Golden Phoenix (Jin Feng)

D198 Golden Phoenix, or Jin Feng (金凤) as it's known in Chinese. This one's a real gem.

What's in a Name?

So, "D198" is its official fancy durian ID. But "Golden Phoenix" is what most of us call it in English. The Chinese name, Jin Feng (金凤), literally means "Golden Phoenix" or "Golden Lady."

Looks Can Be Deceiving (in a good way!)

These guys are usually pretty tiny, often less than 1.5 kilos. Some are so small they can literally fit in the palm of your hand – talk about cute! They are usually round or oval, and here's a fun fact: their husk is so thin, you can often crack it open with just your hands. No need for a durian knife wrestle! The husks can be green, greenish-brown, or even a bit grey depending on where they grew up. And if you look closely, you will see five seams at the bottom.

Their spines are sharp and pointy, like little pyramids. They are thicker in the middle and get daintier and curve inwards near the stem and base. Inside, the flesh is a pale yellow to almost white, sometimes described as "banana milk-like." And the best part? The seeds are super small and flat, so you get a whole lot of yummy flesh and not much seed. More for me!

The Scent-sation

Now, durian can be pretty pungent, right? But the Golden Phoenix is often described as a bit milder, or at least, more "approachable." It's still got that strong durian smell, but it's often mixed with sweet, oniony, and even garlic-like undertones. Plus, you might catch some floral notes and even a slight hint of alcohol. Don't worry, it won't give you a hangover!

Taste & Texture: A Golden Experience

This is where the Golden Phoenix really shines. The taste is mild yet surprisingly complex. It's got a lovely dance of sweet and slightly bitter notes, often starting with a floral sweetness and then a subtle alcoholic bitterness kicks in. Some folks even taste hints of nuts, vanilla, caramel, and a little tang.

As for the texture, oh my goodness! It's velvety, smooth, soft, and just melts in your mouth. It's thick and moist, sometimes almost watery, sometimes super creamy. If you get one with more of those bitter, boozy notes (lucky you), the texture tends to be even moister. It's a real treat.

Blink and You Will Miss It!

These beauties are a bit elusive. You can usually find them during Malaysia's southwest monsoon season, which is typically from May to early August. But here's the kicker: they are only around for a super limited time, often just 4 to 5 weeks. So, if you see them, grab them!

Why People Love This Golden Gem

One of the coolest things about the Golden Phoenix is that it's often more affordable than the super-famous Mao Shan Wang (Musang King). Because of its similar complex flavors without the hefty price tag, some durian lovers affectionately call it the "poor man's Mao Shan Wang." I just call it a smart choice!

The downside is that it's tough to grow on a large scale, especially since it comes from older trees. That means the supply is pretty limited, making it even more sought after. If you haven't tried the Golden Phoenix yet, you are truly missing out on a golden opportunity!