Meet the Tupai King: A Flavor Revolution

Get ready to bow down, Musang King and Black Thorn! The Tupai King has entered the durian arena, and it’s ready to claim its throne in the realm of premium durians.

Emerging from Penang's Sungai Ara neighborhood, Tupai King might look deceptively simple with its pale-yellow flesh and bluish-black accents, but its taste is anything but ordinary, boasts farmer Chew Chee Wan.

A Discovery Decades in the Making

Twenty years ago, Chew stumbled upon this distinctive durian and immediately recognized its potential. "The first bite was a game-changer for me," he recalls. Despite initial skepticism from fellow farmers due to the dominance of established varieties, he held onto this hidden gem.

Today, this limited-production durian has turned into a hot commodity, with Chew cultivating around 50 mature trees on his farm.

Crowning Glory: The Name and the Harvest

Registered with the Agriculture Department in 2021, the Tupai King, named after Chew's own shop Cap Tupai, is gearing up for its grand debut in the upcoming 2025 durian season.

Anticipation is high as these fruits are expected to hit the market from mid-June to the end of August, promising excitement for durian lovers.

Pricing Royalty: Tupai King Takes the Lead

Orchard owner Eric Yeap asserts that Tupai King is set to outperform the rest this season. Currently priced at RM130 per kg, almost double that of Musang King and Black Thorn, the demand is skyrocketing. When exported to markets like Hong Kong, the price can soar to RM250 per kg!

Unique Charm and Controversial Flavor

With more than 2,000 trees under his care, Yeap has planted 80 of this variety, though only 20 are mature enough to bear fruit. While each Tupai King weighs between 1.8kg and 2.5kg, Yeap joyfully recalls one that tipped the scales at a whopping 3.4kg!

Yet, all that glitters isn't gold. The Tupai King’s rough exterior and unique taste may not suit everyone. It carries a pronounced bitterness and a strong alcoholic aftertaste that can leave some with a numb feeling.

Weathering the Storm: A Tough Season Ahead

Sadly, this season poses challenges for many durian farmers, affected by erratic weather. Continuous heavy rains during blooming season have caused a significant drop in yield, with expectations of a 30-40% decrease compared to last year.

In this unpredictable environment, the Tupai King stands as both a bold new contender and a testament to nature’s whim, promising to spice up the world of durian enthusiasts!