This reflection is based on the podcast episode I recorded called "PoPCast – Love at First Whiff: A Durian-Fueled Adventure," ...
...featuring Lindsay Gasik and Richard from Year of the Durian, alongside the crew from Durigogo—Kriss, Scott, Ben, and Nidel. Shoutout to Penang Hidden Gems on YouTube for hosting it. Let me just say, this conversation was a deep dive into the durian world, and I came out of it with a whole new appreciation.
Let’s start with Durigogo. They’re on a mission to transform the way people experience durian. Their tasting boxes and sharing sets are all about introducing consumers to a wider variety of durian, not just the mainstream favorites. Every day, they handpick the best harvest, curating it into these boxes so people can explore flavors they might never have tried otherwise. It’s like a guided tour of the durian universe, and honestly, I think they’re onto something special.
Through this podcast, I learned just how much history and science are packed into this spiky fruit. Did you know humans and durian are basically co-evolution partners? We’ve become their main seed distributors because we don’t eat or destroy the seeds. It’s wild to think how our connection to this fruit goes back thousands of years—scientists even found durian pollen traces in India from ancient times. That fact alone was worth the recording session.
The business side of durian is just as intriguing. It’s a bit like the stock market. Early in the season, prices are sky-high due to limited supply, but the quality doesn’t match the hype. If you’re in Penang, though, mid-June is your golden window. That’s when the quality and quantity are at their peak—basically durian nirvana.
Of course, Musang King and Black Thorn dominate the scene for good reasons. Their longer shelf life makes them ideal for transport and sale, especially in urban areas. But here’s the thing: there’s so much more to discover beyond these popular varieties, which is why Durigogo’s work feels so important.
What stuck with me the most, though, is how durian isn’t just food—it’s an experience. It sparks conversations and creates connections. Sitting around, sharing durian with others, it’s not just about the taste. It’s about the stories, the laughter, the sense of community it fosters. After recording this podcast, I walked away feeling like durian is more than just a fruit—it’s a bridge between people.
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Author of this article:
Moe Nasrul is the chairman of Penang Hidden Gems and was a former radio DJ on Fly Fm and 8TV Host. He had also been the Artist Manager for various A-list artist within South East Asia. Now he lends his talents to the preservation and research of history.