Penang gold is another rare durian of Penang. But because of how wide the distributin network of the owner is, it can often be found in a number of odd places. So odd that you might question whether one found in a random roadside stall in Penang is a real genuine Penang Gold.

The English name of this durian is Penang gold. It can be called Penang emas in Malay. But in Mandarin, it’s referred to as jin feng huang (金凤皇) translated as golden phoenix queen, or sometimes as hong jin feng (红金凤) translated as red golden phoenix. Not to be confused with golden phoenix D198.

The mother tree is in a mountainous area of Balik Pulau. With a girth that an adult will not be able to hug fully. And a height of about 100 feet. It is one big tree.

The shape of the husk is slightly acute at the top near the stem similar to musang king. But unlike the king that smoothly transit from the acute top to a beautiful oval shape, Penang gold tend to widen out and create a shape like an old-fashioned lightbulb.

Some can be rather elongated in the spirit of horlor. I’ve also seen those that are more rounded like capri. So YMMV.

When you open up this durian, you will immediately discover how it got it’s name.

The fruitlets are golden colour.

You might notice at this point that the inner core is quite thick. A feature that reduces the yield of the durian. But the walls of the husk are average thickness.

The flavour is dense with a sticky texture. And carries a slightly floral aroma.

It’s bitter but too bitter. It’s sweet but not too sweet. Yet the bitter and sweetness is enough to be punchy.