Durian season is just around the corner! From the bittersweet Mao Shan Wang to the intense flavours of XO, Singapore’s durian season means excitement for durian lovers of all kinds. But when exactly is Singapore's durian season? Is the durian you’re buying affordable and tasty? And how can we find out where all the good durians are?
If you’re not sure about the basics of durian buying, or would just like to find out more about the 2021 durian season, we’re here to help! We’ve got four important need-to-knows for Singapore's 2021 durian season, helpful to both the durian lover and the durian-curious alike.
1. When is Singapore’s Durian Season in 2021?
The durian season depends very much on the weather. Durian trees need abundant rainfall to support fruiting. What’s more, they only fruit once or twice a year! Because of this, there are two durian seasons in Singapore. A small durian season between December and February, and our main durian season from July to September.
Durians are harvested based on the time in which they fall, so not every season has the same durians! The sweet Red Prawn only makes its main appearance from July to September, but the Malaysian Yong Peng durian has its main season from May to July.
With that being said, climate change has unfortunately affected the timing of the durian seasons. In 2019 and 2020, durian season was delayed. Which might be expected in 2021, as well with the unpredictable amounts of rainfall :( However, Penang farmers claim that the durians will be of much higher quality this year and we’re all looking forward to it!
2. Which durian is most affordable?
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Durians are priced differently depending on the type of durian, its freshness, size and quality. Prices also fluctuate depending on demand and supply. Because of this, prices change each day, and it might be hard to keep track of what an affordably priced durian is! Well no worries about that, we’re here to help.
Here’s a short list of the most popular durians in Singapore and their prices, so you can figure out whether the durian you’re buying is affordable!
| Mao Shan Wang | $18-$20 |
| Red Prawn | $12-$16 |
| D24 | $12-$14 |
| Golden Phoenix | $18-$22 |
3. Where can I get durian?
With COVID unfortunately still running rampant, working from home has become the new norm. And with many imports being disrupted, and sellers closing up shops, you may wonder where you could still enjoy durian. Luckily, there are plenty of shops that still sell the king of fruits! Some even provide delivery services, allowing you to enjoy durian while typing up reports for your boss at home.
Singaporean favourites like Combat Durian have promised on Facebook to open up again once durian season starts! And if you wish to get durian sent to you, try some durian delivery services!
4. Which durian is the best durian in Singapore?
There is no best! While many swear by the bittersweet flavours of Mao Shan Wang, or the intense nature of XO, some are enticed by the sweetness of the Red Prawn. Depending on tastes and preferences, every durian lover picks out the durian that is best for them.
Now that you know more about Singapore's durian season, share this with your friends and get feasting!