Mastering Durian Purchases: Expert Tips for Penang's Finest

BALIK Pulau durian farmers take immense pride in the varieties grown for generations in Penang. They include the Ang Hae (Red Prawn), Hor Lor, Ang Bak and XO varieties of the fruit. In order to avoid disappointment and paying a premium price for sub-par fruit, Southwest District Agriculture Department officer Mat Suaid Sapiyin advised durian lovers to learn to recognise the physical traits rather than trusting a seller’s claims. “Take the much sought-after Black Thorn (Or Chi) for instance. “The premium variety is typically round and weighs between 1.5kg and 2.5kg. “It has a prominent dot at the base resembling a thorn,” he said. Mat Suaid encouraged consumers to familiarise themselves with the main clones from the area and verify the orchard’s location. “Do not to be swayed by irresponsible traders or middlemen when buying the fruit. “Choose reputable or registered farmers, check the stem, aroma and ripeness of the fruit, and ask for documentation, especially for the Geographical Indication (GI) of premium varieties.” Mat Suaid said Penang was still in the process of implementing Mi-Trace, a QR code system developed with Mimos Bhd to help combat fraud and misrepresentation. Farmers are also registered with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) and district agriculture office and have acquired Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices (myGAP) certification to strengthen source verification of their fruits, he added. Orchard owner Tang Boon Ley, 60, said there was also a need for processing platforms or collection centres with blast freezers, cold storage, and downstream processing facilities. He said it could be a long-term solution for surplus durian. “Now may be the best time for people to eat premium durian at a lower price, but eventually something must be done.” He said such infrastructure, coupled with cooperative models, would help stabilise prices, reduce wastage and allow growers to tap into value-added products such as durian paste, ice-cream and confectionery.