Musang King Durian: Flavor, Benefits, And Uses

Musang King Durian, botanically named Durio ziberthinus, also known as Raja Kunyit or Malaysian durian, is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. It has been popular in the region for centuries and is known for its creamy, rich flavor and distinct aroma. The flesh of Musang King Durian can range from yellow-orange to deep red-brown, depending on the variety. Its spiky exterior makes opening it difficult, but the sweet reward can be worth the effort.

What are Musang King Durian, and why are they so popular?

Musang King Durian is a type of tropical fruit from the genus Durio. Depending on where it’s grown, it is also known as Mao Shan Wang and other local names. Its large size, distinct flavor, and aroma make it one of the most sought-after fruits in Southeast Asia. Singapore is the country most obsessed with durian, with the highest per capita consumption of the fruit every year. The creamy texture of its yellow-orange to red-brown flesh and unique bitter-sweet taste make it the best durian among all the other varieties.

History and Origin of the Musang King Durian:

Musang King Durian is believed to have originated in the Malay Peninsula and has been popular for centuries. It was first described by a Dutch explorer in 1671, and the name Musang King Durian comes from the Malay word meaning “king of fruits.” Today, it is widely grown throughout Southeast Asia and exported worldwide.

Indonesia has over 103 varieties of durian. Some popular ones besides Musang King are Black Thorn, Red Prawn, and Monthong. Drawing a comparison, Musang is sweeter than the Black Thorn variety but not as sweet as Red Prawn. As for the Monthong variety, it is the one predominantly cultivated in Thailand.

Nutritional and Medicinal Value of Musang King Durian:

Musang King Durian is an excellent source of dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. It contains high potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, copper, zinc, and selenium levels. Additionally, it is a rich source of carotenoids and dietary flavonoids.

People use durian for fever, liver disease and to treat other medical conditions but there is no scientific evidence to support these uses. Also, the fruit can have certain side effects, so it is always wise to consume it in moderation.

Where is Musang King Durian grown?

Musang King Durian is native to Southeast Asia and is primarily grown in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam. It is also found in some parts of India and Sri Lanka. The fruit thrives best in tropical climates with regular rainfall and high humidity.

How to Grow Musang King Durian?

Musang King Durian will weigh 4 to 8 pounds and grow on a long stem. You can grow durian trees by planting the seeds or stem-cuttings. But before planting the seeds or the sapling, check the soil’s pH level, which shouldn’t be too alkaline or acidic.

Durians grow well in sandy clay or clay loam soil. Plant the saplings at least 10 meters apart and protect them from pests such as termites, beetles, and leaf-eating insects. Water the tree often (4 to 6 Litres a day), and do not expose the saplings to too much sun.

It takes around 5 years for the plants to bear fruits, and each tree will produce 15 to 20 durians the first time. And in the following years, the tree will start producing more fruits, even up to 50 durians. Install safety nets to prevent the fruits from hitting the ground when they fall.

Farmers can adopt mixed cultivation, including three crop varieties, to grow the fruits on a large scale. For instance, to grow 100 durian trees, follow the 60:20:20 ratio where 60 Musang King Durian are planted with 20 each from the other varieties. Adopting this crop-growing technique promotes a smoother pollination process and yields better.

The plant prefers an ideal temperature above 45° F (but not too much sunlight) and lots of rain. So, plant your seeds for the hottest and rainiest part of the year. Also, the durian trees grow up to 150 feet; hence, choose an ideal spot to grow them.

Where Musang King Durians are Grown and Harvested?

Musang King Durian is typically grown on small farms and plantations, often in remote areas. The fruit only ripens once picked from the tree and is usually harvested by hand. Harvesting normally takes place during the dry season months of April to August. It is important to pick Musang King Durian when fully mature to ensure they develop its sweet flavor and creamy texture.

What are the characteristics of Musang King Durian?

Musang King Durian is large, yellow-orange to red-brown. Its thick rind protects a soft, creamy texture ranging from sweet to slightly bitter depending on the variety. The aroma of Musang King Durian is quite distinctive and has been described as a mix of sweet, creamy, and pungent.

The Flavor Profile of the Musang King Durian:

The flavor of Musang King Durian can range from sweet and creamy to slightly bitter, depending on the variety. The sweetness is more pronounced when the fruit is fully ripe and has a complex yet distinct taste that lingers on the tongue. It also contains hints of caramel, nuttiness, and fruity notes such as banana or mango.

Where to find the best quality Musang King Durian?

The best quality Musang King Durian can be found in Southeast Asia. The fruits are normally sold on the side of the road and at local markets. However, they can also be purchased from specialty stores or online retailers. Buying ripe fruit and avoiding those that look overripe or have any signs of decay is important.

How to store Musang King Durian?

Musang King Durian should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once the fruit is ripe, it can be kept at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to store it longer, it is best to wrap it in plastic and keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days. It will last longer if frozen, but the texture and flavor may be slightly altered.

How to pick Musang King Durian?

When selecting a Musang King Durian, look for firm and heavy fruits for their size. The rind should be yellow-orange to red-brown, with no signs of decay or damage. Avoid any fruit that looks too soft or squishy, as this could indicate over-ripeness. Also, take notice of any strong aromas, as this could indicate the quality.

Whether you are in America, Australia and Europe, some of the major retailers offer durian so get it at their online store.

Ways to Use Musang King Durian in Everyday Life:

Durians are used in sweet and spicy dishes. Its unique taste makes it a great ingredient in cakes, ice creams, smoothies, or puddings.

But the seeds become edible only when cooked. The seeds are usually roasted or boiled. You can sprinkle some salt over the seeds for flavor. The seeds are high in starch.

Can Dogs Eat Durian?

Most dogs can safely eat a few bites of durian flesh per serving, but be cautious about its seeds as they are known to be toxic and may cause intestinal blockage. The spiky covering of the durian fruit is also a choking hazard. Remove the seeds, stems, and pits when you feed your dogs. Only provide them with the flesh of the fruit.

Why is Musang King Durian So Expensive?

Musang King Durian is so expensive owing to its higher transportation costs and difficulty preserving the fruit. The fruit is also in high demand because of its bitter-sweet flavors, making it the most expensive and popular of all its varieties.

The price of the fruit can vary depending on where you buy it. The average price range is $8.80–8.95 per pound.

In Conclusion

Musang King Durian has been a unique and delicious fruit prized for centuries. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a great choice for those looking to boost their health. It can be found in Southeast Asia and online retailers and should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. 

When purchasing, it is important to select firm and heavy fruits for their size. With its sweet, creamy texture and complex flavor profile, Musang King Durian will surely delight your taste buds!