TUPAI KING: A RISING STAR IN THE DURIAN WORLD

By Erma Idayu Mohd Yusop

GEORGE TOWN, May 6 (Bernama) -- On the misty hills of Penang, a new king is rising - one with a creamy bite, a golden hue, and a name that’s stirring excitement among durian devotees near and far.

Known as the ‘Tupai King’, this premium variety of the “King of Fruits” is fast earning the nickname “the aristocrat of durians”, thanks to its exceptional flavour, rich aroma, and exclusive price tag.

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With prices reaching up to RM130 per kilogramme, Tupai King now claims the title of the most expensive local durian on the market, surpassing even household favourites like the ‘Musang King’ and the ‘Black Thorn’.

Durian grower Eric Yeap, who manages seven durian orchards spanning 53.4 hectares from Teluk Bahang to Balik Pulau, described the Tupai King as egg-shaped with a greenish-brown husk, rounded at the base and tapering to a point.

“Although Tupai King trees have been around for five to six years, its popularity has truly soared in the last two,” he explained in a recent interview.

Yeap said the fruit has striking orange-yellow flesh with a moderate balance of bitterness, creaminess, and aroma - the traits that durian lovers find irresistible.

“The appeal has gone international. Fans from Singapore and China now actively seek out Tupai King, with some even contacting me directly once the durian season begins. Some buyers fly in just to taste it at the source,” he said.

Despite its rising fame, the supply of Tupai King remains limited. Most growers, including Yeap himself, have only begun planting Tupai King in recent years.

“I started five years ago, and my first yield was just two years back. Right now, I just have about 20 Tupai King trees,” he said, noting plans to increase that number to meet growing demand.

He said that he is also exporting the Tupai King to Hong Kong, where prices are significantly higher. Still, Yeap ensures that part of his harvest is reserved for the local market, where loyal customers eagerly await the season.

“There’s already a base of regular buyers, and among true durian fans, that sharp sweet-bitter profile is pure bliss,” he said.

Yeap expects commercial-scale production of Tupai King to take another three to four years, as more farmers across Malaysia begin to cultivate this high-end variety.

“It’s a long-term investment, but the payoff looks promising,” he said.

However, not all is smooth sailing. Recent climate changes, especially heavier-than-usual rainfall, are affecting flower blooms and may reduce this season’s yield by up to 30 per cent. 

“The season started later this year, and overall fruit production is down,” he shared. On average, his orchards usually produce up to a ton of durian daily, with 20 per cent exported overseas.

Even with possible price increases, Yeap insists the quality justifies the cost.

“Durian from Penang, particularly Balik Pulau, is famous for its unique taste, texture, and aroma. You’re not just buying fruit; you’re buying an experience.”

In addition to Tupai King, Yeap’s orchards offer a full spectrum of durians, from the Kampung varieties to top-sellers like Musang King and Black Thorn, priced from RM8 to RM130 per kilogramme.

-- BERNAMA