Musang King, Black Thorn, or D24? Here's How to Tell the Difference Like a Pro
Ever stood at a durian stall, scratching your head while the seller throws names like Musang King, Black Thorn, and D24 at you? You nod along… but deep down, you’re just thinking: “Aren’t they all just durians?”
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These three durians may look similar on the outside, but once you know what to look (and smell and taste) for, telling them apart is actually quite easy. Whether you’re a first-timer or just want to impress your durian-loving friends, here’s a simple breakdown to help you tell who’s who in the durian kingdom.
1. First Look, What They Look Like
Let’s start with appearances. Durian shells are spiky, sure, but each type has its own signature look.
Musang King
- Shape: Oval or slightly oblong
- Husk: Yellowish-green with big, pyramid-shaped spikes
- Stem: Thick and short
- Secret trick: Flip it over, you’ll see a 5-pointed star pattern at the base. That’s the Musang King giveaway.
Black Thorn
- Shape: Round, like a small pumpkin
- Husk: Grey-green, often duller in color
- Bottom: There’s a bald spot with a small, dark “thorn” or bump in the center
- Stem: Very short and stubby
D24 (Sultan)
- Shape: Medium-sized and oval
- Husk: More uniformly green
- Spikes: Densely packed and neat-looking
- Bottom: Look for a brown circle, it looks like a coin stuck at the base. That’s the D24 trademark.
2. Taste Test, What’s Going On in Your Mouth
Once the husk is open, it’s all about the flavour. And this is where the magic happens.
Musang King
Rich, creamy, and bold. The flesh is golden-yellow and super buttery. You’ll taste a bittersweet mix, smooth sweetness with a touch of elegant bitterness. Some say it’s like durian custard. Others say it’s perfection.
Black Thorn
Deep orange flesh, silky smooth texture. This one starts off sweet, like really sweet, then leaves you with a slight bitter or wine-like aftertaste. The flavour is intense, with hints of fruit, caramel, or even nuttiness. Fancy stuff.
D24
Creamy, but not too soft. The taste is mildly bitter, balanced with gentle sweetness. Some versions even have a light alcoholic kick. It’s not too overpowering, which makes it a good choice for durian beginners.
3. The Smell Test, What's That Aroma?
Ah yes, the durian smell, famous, unforgettable, and impossible to hide.
Musang King
Strong and sharp. You’ll smell it before you see it. The scent fills the room (or the whole house!) with that signature Musang King punch. It’s loud and proud.
Black Thorn
Still pungent, but with a floral or sweet aroma. Some say it smells like perfume mixed with durian. It’s less aggressive than Musang King, but still makes its presence known.
D24
Classic durian smell. Strong, rich, and nostalgic. It doesn’t have the floral notes or extra punch, just that good old-school durian aroma that locals love.
4. So, Which One Should You Try?
It really depends on your taste buds. Here’s a simple cheat sheet:
If you like:
- Bold, bittersweet flavours, go for Musang King
- Sweet, creamy with a twist, go for Black Thorn
- Balanced and beginner-friendly, go for D24
Want to go full durian foodie? Try all three and do your own taste test. You might be surprised which one becomes your new favourite.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the basics, you won’t be lost the next time you visit a durian stall. Whether it’s the bold Musang King, the luxurious Black Thorn, or the classic D24, each durian has its own personality.
So go on, follow your nose (and your taste buds), and enjoy the thorny adventure. After all, in the world of durians, there’s no wrong choice, just more to love.
Craving Durian Now? We Got You Covered!
No need to go hunting around town, get your favourite durians delivered straight to your doorstep with Dury Dury!
Musang King – Thick, creamy, bittersweet heaven in every bite.
Black Thorn – Premium, rich, and luxuriously sweet.
D24 (Sultan) – Balanced and beginner-friendly, a classic choice.
All durians are freshly vacuum-packed, and we offer same-day delivery around Klang Valley (order before 1PM)!
Perfect for chill evenings, celebrations, or even surprising a fellow durian lover.
