Malaysian Embassy in Tehran holds reception to introduce ‘Musang King’ durian.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Embassy in Tehran held a durian reception on Sunday (Dec 22). The event aimed to showcase the cultural significance, global appeal and economic value of durian to diplomats, foodies and business representatives in attendance.
“This special fruit is a symbol of Malaysia’s rich culture, our commitment to quality assurance and our hospitality. ”
“It is a bridge that connects tradition with the new and unites people from different countries,” he said during the event.
Khairi also stressed that Malaysia is determined to promote high-quality fresh durian to the international market. He shared about the uniqueness of Musang King and how the fruit is transported from farms in Malaysia to dining tables around the world.
Known as the “King of Fruits,” Musang King durian is known for its soft and fatty texture, slightly bitter and sweet taste, and distinctive golden yellow flesh.
It is also considered a high-quality export item.
Khairi said the “Musang King” or Turmeric King is prized for its unique physical characteristics, such as its star-shaped underside and pyramid-like spines. Its mild and subtle scent makes it an attractive choice for both experienced durian enthusiasts and those who are new to durian.
The durian was first discovered in the 1980s in Gua Musang, Kelantan, and was registered as an official Malaysian crop in 1993.
Its name has grown in popularity since then, making it one of the most sought-after durians worldwide.
In 2017, researchers successfully studied the Musang King gene, which helped them understand the genetic secrets behind the durian’s distinctive aroma and taste.
The event also featured various types of durian in cuisine. Guests could enjoy dishes and desserts using Musang King durian, such as ice cream, cakes, and soups, which showed how interesting durian is in cooking.
Khairi said that because global markets such as China have dubbed it the “Hermes Durian,” the fruit has become a symbol of luxury and prestige, with prices reaching up to RM105 per fruit.
He also highlighted Malaysia’s role in growing durian.
More than 73,000 hectares of land in the country are used to grow durian, and Musang King accounts for 36 percent of the total production.
In 2022, Malaysia sold RM1. 14 million worth of durian. Of that, China bought RM887 million worth of durian, according to Khairi.
Malaysia will start shipping fresh durian to China in 2024. This is a significant milestone in the trade relationship between Malaysia and China.
The first shipment carried 20 tonnes of high-quality durian, indicating that overseas demand for Malaysian durian is increasing.
Khairi said that with the increasing demand and continuous innovation efforts in durian cultivation, Malaysia remains the leading country in the durian market worldwide.
Events like this are not only to promote the famous fruit, but also to strengthen ties between countries and increase appreciation for Malaysia’s unique contribution to cuisine around the world, he said.
The event not only gave guests the opportunity to taste Musang King, but also to understand the stories and traditions that showcase Malaysia’s rich heritage and broad vision, he added.
Embassy of Malaysian in Tehran
