D78 Sweetie

D78 durian—better known by its cutesy nicknames "Sweetie" or "Sayang". Yep, as in "sweetheart" and "darling." You’d think we’re naming a puppy, but nope, this is one of Malaysia’s most loveable durians. And honestly? It earns every bit of that affection.

First impressions?

The D78 looks like your typical durian—medium to large, kinda rugby ball-shaped, with thick thorns that’ll remind you not to hug it too hard. Its husk is brownish-green, thin enough to crack open without needing a jackhammer, and you will want to get inside because that’s where the magic happens.

The Inside Scoop (Literally)

When you pry it open, you will usually find pale yellow flesh—sometimes with a hint of pink, depending on how fancy it's feeling that day. The texture? Firm, creamy, occasionally a little fibrous. Some slices feel dry to the touch, but once you take a bite? Smooth and luxurious, like eating dessert from a velvet-lined bowl.

Now, about those seeds—it’s got big ones, sure, but don’t let that scare you off. There’s still plenty of flesh to go around, and if you're lucky, you might even score some decently sized arils.

Taste Test: Sweetie, Meet Your Tongue

Let’s cut to the chase: this thing is sweet. Like, appropriately named sweet. But it doesn’t just blast you with sugar and call it a day. Oh no—it balances that sweetness with a gentle bitterness, kind of like dark chocolate for durians. Some people swear they taste caramel, others catch a whiff of something... well, let’s say onion funk. Not overwhelming, mind you—just enough to remind you you are eating durian, not custard.

It’s rich, dense, and satisfying. Think of it as the gateway durian for newbies who aren’t ready to dive headfirst into the stinky stuff—but also solid enough to impress hardcore durian heads.

Where Did This Cutie Come From?

D78 hails from Malaysia, and while there’s some confusion with its cousin D7 (born in Kajang back in 1934), D78 has carved out its own identity. You'll find it thriving in places like Kuala Lumpur and Penang—two cities that know their durians like chefs know their knives.

It’s become such a crowd-pleaser that you’ll often see it featured in durian buffets and tasting events. Basically, if someone says, “You haven’t lived till you’ve tried this,” D78 is probably on the menu.

Where Can I Find This Sweetie?

If you are in Penang during durian season, you can hunt down D78 at durian stalls or markets, especially around George Town. Just keep an eye out—don’t confuse it with D88 (“Darling”), which sometimes likes to play dress-up and pretend it's D78. Spoiler: it's not.

Also, fun fact—like all good things in life, each D78 can be a little different. Some are sweeter, some more bitter, some creamier than others. That’s nature’s way of keeping things interesting.

So yeah, if you are ever in Penang and someone hands you a durian called “Sweetie,” give it a shot. It might just steal your heart—or at least your taste buds.