Every year, Singaporeans look forward to durian season that typically occurs between the months of June to September. During these months, there is a peak in the supply of durians coming from plantations in Singapore and other countries like Malaysia.

Long-time durian lovers know how to distinguish one durian from the other. They know how to look for the best-tasting ones from a huge pile of durians so they can get the right pick that will satisfy their taste buds.

However, for those who are new to eating durians, it is important to know the different types of durians since each one has a distinct characteristic and flavor. Every durian eater has his or her own preference. Some like it bitter while some prefer it sweeter. Still, there are durian breeds that are sweet and bitter at the same time.

This guide will show you the different types of the most popular durians so you will know which one to pick when you buy and hunt for your durian.

D24 Durian

The D24 durian variety is great for new durian lovers and is one of the more famous breeds of durians. If you are still hesitant about eating durians but would like to try eating it, the D24 is a good choice because of its neutral taste that is not too sweet or too bitter.

Before the introduction of the Mao Shan Wang, D24 durians are the most sought-after variety from all over. Less overwhelming in flavor, the D24 has a thick and creamy texture with a light bittersweet taste. The outer shell of the D24 durian has a yellow-green color and can be recognized with its brown ring found on the bottom part of its stem.

Mao Shan Wang
Perhaps the most popular variety in Singapore is the Mao Shan Wang which is also called the “butter durian”, “Cat Mountain King”, and “Rajah Kunyit”. Durian lovers like the combination of bitterness and sweetness of this durian variety, where you won’t really be able to identify the dominant taste of a single fruit unless you bite into it. The Mao Shan Wang durian has a creamy and sticky texture where you can have both sweet flesh and bitter flesh inside a single durian.

Mao Shan Wang durian has a bright yellow flesh. This is why it is called “Rajah Kunyit” which means “royal yellow”. The thorns of the Mao Shan Wang are triangular in shape and can be easily recognized with its five-point star pattern which can be found at the bottom of the fruit.

Red Prawn Durian
The Red Prawn durian got its name from the tint of the orange-reddish tone of the durian’s meat. While still having the signature bitter taste of a durian, the Red Prawn durian is referred to being the sweetest among other types, giving a sweet aftertaste.

This durian type also has smaller seeds so durian lovers can have more durian flesh to feast upon. However, there are also other red prawn durians that have big seeds and little flesh. Red prawn durians have a brown shell and widely spaced thorns that are short.

Black Gold Durian

While not often talked about, the Black Gold durian is a variety that old-time durian lovers like. It is characterized by its distinctive bright yellow flesh with blackish seams that almost makes the flesh look green. The strong and bitter taste of the Black Gold durian is for the seasoned durian eaters who can take both its overpowering scent and taste. The Black Gold durian is really a durian variety that can be challenging to eat and is not for new durian eaters.

Golden Phoenix

A smaller than the Mao Shan Wang durian, the Golden Phoenix is also not as expensive. The Golden Phoenix variety has a pale and yellowish-white meat and has an outer shell that has the color that can range from pale green to brown.

The Golden Phoenix durian has a small oval shape with sharp thorns. It has a strong pungent smell while the flesh is watery and bittersweet in taste.

Black Pearl

Considered a rare find, the Black Pearl durian is more expensive than others. It has a smooth texture that has little fibers, making it easier to eat. The Black Pearl has a bittersweet taste that is not too overwhelming.

XO Durian

Perhaps preferred by those who have a liking for a strong durian taste, the XO durian gives an aftertaste that is similar to drinking alcohol. When indulging in this type of durian, individuals can feel a bit drowsy since the XO durian is left to be fermented inside its shell longer.

It has a thick, soft, and watery flesh that gives a strong and bitter flavor. The XO durian has a greenish brown shell while its thorns are pointed towards the base of the fruit.

These durian varieties are just a few of the other types that can be found all over Southeast Asia and elsewhere. Whether you are new to eating durians or have been eating this fruit for a long time, knowing each variety will enable you to enjoy eating them even more. Discovering the different tastes and flavor that each durian type has to offer is something that every durian enthusiast will love!