D88 Darling

Alright, let's talk about the D88 durian, shall we? This little (or not-so-little) gem goes by a few adorable nicknames, like "Darling" or "Xiao Tian Tian" (小甜甜 which means "little sweetie" - aww!).

Where's This Sweetheart From?

So, this D88 fella first popped up in Johor, Malaysia. Imagine a spa retreat, but for durians! While it really shines in its main season around June to July, it's a bit of a free spirit and you can "sometimes" find it popping up throughout the year.

You know how some plants need a bit of a "timeout" to get ready for flowers? Well, durian trees are like that too. They need a dry spell for a few weeks to get those blossoms going. In Malaysia, where it's always sunshine and good vibes, they can actually flower twice a year, which means two fruit seasons! The big party is usually May to August, with a smaller shindig from December to February.

The D88 is a fairly new kid on the block, born in the 1990s. Think of it as the cool hybrid kid, a mix of the XO and Kanyao varieties. So, it's got some good genes!

What Does This "Darling" Look Like?

Okay, let's talk about its looks.

• Size and Shape: These D88s are usually medium to big, rarely under 1.5 kg. So, no tiny babies here! They're often round or oval, and you'll notice they have this cute little bulge. That bulge is a good sign, like a little wink saying, "Hey, I've got some perfectly formed pods in here for you!" Sometimes they can even look a bit like the D123, just a bit more subtle about it.

• Husk: Its skin is a mellow light brownish-green, kind of like the D24. Nothing too flashy, but elegant!

• Thorns: Their thorns are pretty chill. They're convex spikes, all neat and tidy, not sticking out in every direction like they just rolled out of bed.

• Stem: It's got a slightly longer stem than some other durians, but don't worry, it's not trying to win any "longest stem" competitions like the Khun Poh.

Let's Get to the Good Stuff: The Flesh!

Alright, the moment of truth: what's inside?

• Color: The flesh is a lovely pale yellow, sometimes even a golden-yellow or creamy white. And every now and then, you might spot a little blush of pink. So fancy!

• Texture: Imagine something firm, creamy, and super smooth - almost velvety. It basically melts in your mouth! While it's nice and thick, it's also dry enough that it peels off the skin cleanly. But you gotta eat it fast, because it can get a bit watery if you dilly-dally.

• Seed Size: Now, the seeds in a D88 are usually big and round. But here's the kicker: there's so much glorious flesh that you still get a fantastic amount of yummy durian. So, big seeds, no problem!

How Does It Taste?

This is where the D88 truly shines. It's got this rich, complex flavor profile that's famous for being a beautiful dance between sweetness and bitterness. It's usually mild and sweet, with just a hint of bitterness to keep things interesting.

If you get a more moist one, that bitter kick might be a bit more noticeable - like a little surprise party in your mouth! And get this, some folks say they can taste a hint of garlic or even a tiny alcoholic aftertaste, especially if it's from an older tree. How wild is that? The best part? That unique, custard-like taste will hang around for a bit, just to remind you how good it was.

Anything Else I Should Know?

Totally!

• Aroma: It's got that classic, strong durian smell - you know, the one that makes your neighbors either love you or question your life choices. But for us durian lovers, it's a delightful, musky, vanilla-caramel dream!

• Beginner-Friendly: If you're new to the durian world, the D88 is your best friend. Its milder, sweeter flavor is like a gentle introduction to the fruit, without overwhelming you with too much bitterness. It's basically saying, "Welcome to the club, here's a delicious starting point!"

• Healthy Goodness: Just like its durian cousins, the D88 is packed with good stuff like fiber, Vitamin C, and carbs to keep you energized. Plus, it's loaded with antioxidants, so it's basically a yummy health booster.

So, there you have it - the D88, a delightful durian that's sweet, a little bit sassy, and perfect for anyone looking for a delicious experience. Have you tried this "little sweetie" yet?