Mao Shan Wang

Other names: Butter durian, Cat Mountain King, Rajah Kunyit
Colour: Bright yellow
Taste notes: Durian connoisseurs love its bittersweet taste and sticky, creamy texture. The flesh can be sweet and bitter within the same fruit.
From: Kelatan, Pahang and Johor
Price: $15 to $25 per kg

Golden Phoenix

Other names: Jin Feng
Colour: Pale yellow-white
Taste notes: Bitter with a more watery texture and strong pungent smell.
From: Pahang, Johor
Price: $15 to $50 per kg

XO

Colour: Pale yellow
Taste notes: Bitter and extremely soft, fleshy meat with an almost alcoholic taste.
From: Johor, Genting, Cameron Highlands
Price: $8 to $16 per kg

D24

Other names: Sultan
Colour: Pale yellow
Taste notes: Very creamy and bitter.
From: Johor, Pahang, Cameron Highlands
Price: $8 to $18 per kg

D13

Colour: Deep burnt orange
Taste notes: Sweet, less fibrous than most durians and not very strong in taste. This durian has large seeds. Good for people trying durians for the first time
From: Johor, Segamat
Price: $6 to $8 per kg

D1

Colour: Pale yellow
Taste notes: Small seeds, milky taste.
From: Johor
Price: $8 to $12 per kg

D101

Colour: Orange
Taste notes: Easy on the palate, slightly sweet and creamy.
From: Pahang, Johor
Price: About $15 per kg.

Red Prawn

Other names: Hong Xia, Ang Hay
Colour: Orangey-red
Taste notes: Sticky with a sweet aftertaste.
From: Pahang, Johor
Price: $10 to $18 per kg.

Green Bamboo

Other names: Qing Zhu
Colour: Pale yellow with a slight greenish tinge
Taste notes: Sweet with fibrous flesh.
From: Johor
Price: $6 to $16 per kg

Black Pearl

Other names: Hei Zhen Zhu
Colour: Very pale yellow with grey undertones
Taste notes: Slightly bitter, smooth and creamy with small seeds.
Origin: Johor
Price: About $18 per kg

» Read the related article, "Durian peak season" here.
» Read the related article, "How to pick a durian" here.

This article was first published in The Sunday Times on July 13, 2008.