D199 Bola Kampung

Alright, durian lovers, let's talk about the D199 Bola Kampung! You might also hear it called "Bola 828" or, my personal favorite, "Mei Qiu" – which basically means "beautiful ball" in Mandarin. And trust me, once you see this durian, you will get why!

Where's This Round Marvel From?

So, this spherical superstar actually hails from a little town called Batu Pahat in Johor, Malaysia. It's officially registered back in 2013.

What's It Look Like? (Spoiler: It's Round!)

Okay, the name "Bola" isn't just for show. This durian is seriously ROUND. Like, perfectly spherical. We're talking football-shaped, maybe even a bowling ball if it were green and spiky. Unlike other round durians that might have a flatter top or bottom, this one's all curves, baby!

And it's not a tiny little thing either. These can easily clock in at over 2 kilograms! Imagine trying to juggle one of these – not that I recommend it, those thorns are pretty big and scattered evenly, kind of like the D14. Plus, it's got these cool little quirks, like sunken spikes near the stem (think "khun poh") and a small indent at the bottom (like the D24).

The husk usually ranges from a dark green to a regular green, similar to the Green Skin 15. Fair warning though, that husk can be a bit thick, so get ready for a bit of a workout when you are trying to crack it open!

Let's Talk Flesh (The Good Stuff!)

Now for the juicy part – the flesh!

• Color: Don't expect bright yellow here. The D199's flesh is more of an off-white to pale yellow, sometimes even a pearly yellow-white. It's got that sophisticated, understated vibe.

• Texture: Oh my goodness, the texture! This is where the Bola Kampung truly shines. It's incredibly thick, super smooth, creamy, and wonderfully sticky. We are talking minimal to no fiber here, which is a dream come true for texture fanatics. Some folks even describe it as "majestic creaminess," like a fancy dessert filling. Drool.

• Seed Size: Alright, here's the kicker. While the flesh is amazing, the seeds tend to be medium to large. So, even though it's a big durian, those bigger seeds can mean you're getting a little less of that glorious flesh than you might hope for. But hey, quality over quantity, right?

The Taste Test: A Bittersweet Symphony

The D199 Bola Kampung isn't just a one-trick pony when it comes to taste. It's got a whole symphony going on:

• It's famous for its bitter notes, and I mean intense or distinct bitter notes. If you love bitter durians, this one's calling your name.

• But it's not just bitter. There are subtle sweet notes that pop in, creating this beautiful bittersweet dance on your palate.

• Some lucky folks even report a hint of vanilla! How fancy is that?

• And get this – it can even give you a numbing sensation! Like your tongue is having a little party of its own.

• Funnily enough, with all those intense creamy and bitter notes, the actual durian flavor can sometimes be a bit subtle or even masked. It's more about the experience than just a straightforward durian punch.

When Can You Get Your Hands on One? (Hint: Be Quick!)

Finding a D199 Bola Kampung is a bit like finding a unicorn – it's pretty rare! It doesn't hang around all season. It usually makes a fleeting appearance in the later part of the early durian season, typically for a short burst of about 4 to 6 weeks. While Malaysia's general durian season runs from May to October, this specific variety is a bit more elusive. Your best bet for tracking one down is usually in its home turf, Johor.

So, if you ever spot a perfectly round, gloriously creamy, bittersweet durian with a hint of vanilla and a numbing kick, you know you've hit the jackpot with the D199 Bola Kampung. Happy durian hunting!