All hail Tupai King, a rising star in the durian world
Eric Yeap has been growing Tupai King – a variety fast earning the nickname 'aristocrat of durians' – for the past five years. (Bernama pics)
GEORGE TOWN : 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 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.
With prices reaching up to RM130 per kg, Tupai King now claims the title of the most expensive local durian on the market, surpassing even household favourites like Musang King and Black Thorn.
Durian grower Eric Yeap, who manages seven orchards spanning 53.4ha from Teluk Bahang to Balik Pulau on Penang island, describes 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 told Bernama recently.
Yeap said the fruit has striking orange-yellow flesh with a moderate balance of bitterness, creaminess, and aroma – all the traits 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 durian season begins. Some buyers fly in just to taste it at the source,' he said.
Despite its rising fame, supply 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 only have about 20 Tupai King trees,' he said, adding that he plans to increase this number to meet growing demand.
He said he is also exporting Tupai King to Hong Kong, where prices are significantly higher. Still, Yeap will make sure 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; 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 the country begin to cultivate this high-end variety. 'It's a long-term investment, but the payoff looks promising,' he added.
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%.
'The season started later this year, and overall fruit production is down,' Yeap noted. On average, his orchards usually produce up to a tonne of durian daily, with 20% 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.'
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