Hi, welcome to Bloopy Durians. My name is Stephen Loke and I am a durian farmer who runs an agrotourism durian farm in Bentong Pahang.
Many have wondered why Musang King durians are so expensive and in this article, we will seek to answer this important question.
Origins Of The Popular Musang King
The Musang King durian, also known as D197, is one of the most famous and sought-after varieties of durian, particularly in Malaysia and increasingly in other parts of Southeast Asia. Here’s a look at its origins:
Originally called Raja Kunyit, which means "Turmeric King," Musang King got its name from the deep yellow flesh resembling turmeric.
In the 1980s, it is said that Tan Lai Fook discovered a Raja Kunyit durian tree in Gua Musang, Kelantan, Malaysia.
He took a branch back to Raub for grafting, leading to the creation of a new variety that caught the attention of other growers. This new cultivar was named after its place of origin, Gua Musang.
Development And Cultivation
The Musang King durian is popularly cultivated in the Raub and Bentong district of Pahang, Malaysia. This region is known for its favorable climate and soil conditions, which are ideal for growing high-quality durians.
The name "Musang King" is derived from the Malay term "Musang," which refers to the civet cat or the place of origin "Gua Musang". This association likely comes from the idea that these cats often inhabit areas where durian trees grow, contributing to the fruit's unique flavor.
After gaining recognition in Malaysia for its exceptional quality, Musang King durians began to spread to other regions.
The durian's popularity surged in the 1990s and 2000s, leading to increased cultivation in other states in Malaysia and parts of Thailand. The fruit's reputation for quality and flavor has made it a favorite among durian enthusiasts, both locally and internationally.
Why Is Musang King Durian So Expensive?
If you go to the local bazaar or durian stalls or even to my farm in Bentong, Pahang, you will realize that the Musang King durian is way more expensive than other varieties such as the D24 and Kampung durians.
Kampung durians can sell for RM 15- RM 20 per kg
D24 durians can sell for RM 18 - RM 25 per kg
Musang King can often sell for RM 28 - RM 58 per kg
Here are some of the reasons for its higher price compared to other durian species.
1. Flavor and Texture
Musang King is celebrated for its unique taste, which combines a rich, creamy texture with a complex flavor profile that includes sweet, bitter, and savory notes.
The flesh is thick and custard-like, making it a favorite among durian enthusiasts. Its distinctive flavor sets it apart from other varieties, contributing to its high demand.
2. Rarity and Limited Supply Of Great Tasting Musang King
The Musang King variety is primarily grown in Malaysia and some parts of Thailand. Its cultivation requires specific conditions, such as well-drained soil and a warm climate.
The limited geographic range and the specific growing conditions needed make it less abundant than more common durian varieties, driving up its price.
Although many countries and places such as China is trying to grow the Musang King variety, the taste of the fruit still cannot be compared to Musang King from the region of Bentong and Raub, Pahang.
Even the Musang King that are planted in Johor and other Malaysian states cannot beat the taste of Musang King from Pahang.
3. Growing Time and Labor-Intensive Cultivation
Musang King durians typically take about 5 to 10 years to bear fruit after planting. The cultivation process is labor-intensive, involving careful pruning, pest management, and fertilization to ensure quality fruit.
The investment of time and resources in growing these durians adds to their overall cost.
As a durian farmer I would say that for a durian farmer to break even in his Musang King farm, it can take about 12 years to break even.
The durian farmer can spend anywhere between RM 50,000 to RM 150,000 per acre for the entire duration of the 12 years before seeing any return on his investment.
If you want to add in the cost of purchasing lands in Bentong and Raub to cultivate durians, that can add up to RM 200,000 to RM 300,000 before the durian farmer can see any returns.
Lands are not cheap today and they are sold per acre.
4. Quality Control and Grading
The grading system for Musang King durians is strict, with higher prices often attached to fruits that meet specific quality standards, such as size, ripeness, and appearance.
This quality control ensures that only the best fruits reach the market, but it also contributes to higher prices.
As a durian farmer my farm will send durians to a wholesale collector.
There durians will be graded and Musang King durians can be graded from
Grade A
Grade AB
Grade B
Grade BC
Grade C
Grade CC
Grade CCC
The different grades are given by the size, shape and number of pulps inside the durian.
5. Cultural Significance
In Southeast Asia, durians are often referred to as the "king of fruits," and Musang King, in particular, holds a prestigious status.
This cultural significance and the growing trend of gourmet food experiences contribute to a willingness among consumers to pay premium prices for this particular variety.
There are some guests that come to my farm only to Musang King. If there is no Musang King they do not want to come even if we can give them D24 or Kampung durians.
6. Market Demand and Export To Chinese Markets And Overseas Markets
The increasing international demand for Musang King durians, especially in markets like China, has further driven up prices.
Exporting these durians incurs additional costs related to packaging, transportation, and compliance with international standards, which are typically passed on to consumers.
The Chinese people in China really love durians.
They are also willing to pay a premium price to get Musang King durians as this variety is one of the most popular varieties among the Chinese in China.
During season each year, I welcome quite a lot of tourists from China to my farm in Bentong. To them, the price of Musang King durians in Malaysia is way cheaper than the ones they get in China.
Furthermore, they eat it fresh here compared to a few days or weeks of travel to China.
But recently our Malaysian government has announced the export of fresh durians to China through airplane. So this might create a big demand in China for fresh same day delivery of Musang King durians to China.
If more and more China consumers are willing to pay a premium for fresh Musang King from Malaysia, then this can contribute to the increase in Musang King prices.
7. Branding and Perception
The Musang King variety has developed a strong brand presence, often associated with luxury and exclusivity. This branding appeals to both local and international consumers, further supporting its high price point.
In China, the Musang King is considered a luxury fruit.
Even in Malaysia, many local companies send their staff to my farm to eat Musang King. This is a way for Malaysian companies to thank their staff and reward their staff for their hard work every year.
Overall, the combination of exceptional flavor, limited supply, labor-intensive cultivation, and cultural significance makes Musang King durians a premium product in the market.
Interested to eat some nice and tasty Pahang Musang King? Come visit my farm during peak season.
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