BANGI, July 8 — A strong aroma is the most reliable indicator of a high-quality durian before the fruit is opened.
The tip was shared by Datuk Leow Cheok Kiang, 66, a former World Durian Championship winner who is widely known as the 'father of Black Thorn' for developing the original Duri Hitam (D200) variety.
With more than five decades of experience in the durian industry, he said that a strong fragrance provides an early indication that the fruit's flesh is in excellent condition.
“The aroma must be strong. When you smell the fruit, the fragrance from inside must be strong, indicating that the flesh is of good quality.
"Aroma is the number one factor,” he told Media Selangor at the Bangi Golf Resort recently.
Choose freshly fallen fruit
Besides its aroma, Leow advised consumers to choose durians that have only recently fallen by checking the condition of the stalk.
A stalk that is still white indicates the fruit has just fallen, while a darker stalk suggests the durian has been lying on the ground for longer.
However, the sound of the flesh when the fruit is shaken is not a reliable indicator of quality, as immature or under-ripe durians can produce a similar sound.
He also advised that durians should be eaten as soon as they are opened to enjoy their fullest aroma.
“If the aroma is strong today but you only eat it tomorrow, the fragrance will have faded. Only the sweetness remains. The aroma can disappear, but the sweetness stays,” Leow said.
Leow, who began cultivating durians at the age of eight, said the Duri Hitam variety is easier to manage than Raja Kunyit, also known as Musang King, because it is more resilient during dry seasons.
Seedlings, soil, and water determine quality
Meanwhile, Advansia Sdn Bhd managing director Lam Chin Hee said the selection of quality seedlings, suitable soil, and an adequate water supply are the key factors in producing premium durians.
“First comes the selection of seedlings; good seedlings are essential. Then comes the soil, which must be suitable for durian cultivation, and there must be an adequate water supply. Durian trees need plenty of water,” he said.
Orchards must not have standing water, as waterlogged conditions can expose the trees to various diseases.
Lam added that durian trees generally begin bearing fruit as early as five years of age, although some varieties only start producing after 10 years, depending on how they are cultivated.
The secret to producing a 'King of Kings'
Meanwhile, Tuah Hayati Sdn Bhd's Tan Cheng Long said growers must be prepared to remove some fruit from their trees to ensure that only the finest-quality harvest is produced.
The Duri Hitam durians from his orchard in Bera, Pahang, were crowned the overall King of Kings champion at the World Durian Championship 2026.
“Even when the trees bear a heavy crop, we must be willing to remove some of the fruit so that the trees remain healthy and the quality is maintained,” he said.
Now in its eighth edition, the championship brought together the country's leading durian producers to showcase Malaysia's premium durian varieties.
A total of 192 entries were received, with winners across five competition categories selected by a panel of judges from Malaysia, China, Japan, and Singapore.
