Ding xiang (丁香) is the Chinese word for clove. Which are the flowers buds of the clove tree known for emitting an aromatic scent often used in essential oil products, especially in aromatherapy.

When a durian is named clove durian, then it don’t take a horticultural expert to suspect that it’s because the durian carries a scent resembling that of cloves.

Ding xiang durian is exactly that.

This durian is average size. Seldom exceeding 1.6kg.

The appearance is typically how the stereotypical durian looks like. It don’t have uniquely blocky thorns like D14, it don’t have a messy hair arrangement like khun poh, not as slim and all over the place like 101, and not uniform like red prawn.

If anything, it embodies the look of a kampung durian.

The appearance alone is definitely. Not something that would raise your expectations.

But the moment you open it, the room will be filled with the invigorating aroma redolent of cloves.

Ding xiang is not a strong tasting durian. It made it’s name from the unique floral aroma that the fruitlets carry.

People often say of good durians tasting intense. But good durians are not just about intensity of taste. Especially when how good something taste is subjective depending on the preferences of individuals.

The strong alluring scent also means that this is a bees attractor. So you might have to share your durian snack with the bees if you leave it out in the open for too long.