KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian embassy in Tehran hosted a durian reception on Dec 22, highlighting the fruit's cultural significance, global appeal, and economic value to an audience of dignitaries, food enthusiasts, and business representatives.
The ambassador of Malaysia to Iran, Khairi Omar, said the durian reception which particularly promoted the Musang King, the most iconic export was more than a celebration of a beloved fruit – it was a showcase of Malaysia’s agricultural excellence, a testament to its global outreach, and a reminder of the shared joy that food can bring.
“This extraordinary fruit stands as a testament to Malaysia’s vibrant culture, our dedication to quality, and our warm hospitality. It is a bridge that connects tradition with innovation and brings people together across borders,” he said during the event.
In his remark, Khairi emphasised Malaysia’s commitment in promoting fresh, high-quality durians to international markets by sharing insights about the Musang King’s unique qualities and its journey from Malaysia’s orchards to tables worldwide.
Known as the “King of Fruits”, the Musang King is renowned for its creamy texture, bittersweet flavour, and a distinctive golden-yellow flesh and is a premium export, he added.
According to Khairi, the Musang King, or Raja Kunyit, is prized for its distinctive appearance, featuring a star-shaped base and pyramid-like spikes. Its mild, refined aroma makes it an accessible choice for both seasoned durian lovers and newcomers.
First discovered in the 1980s in Gua Musang, Kelantan, the fruit was officially registered in Malaysia’s national crop registry in 1993 and its reputation has since skyrocketed, solidifying its position as one of the world’s most sought-after durian varieties.
In 2017, researchers successfully sequenced the genome of the Musang King, unlocking insights into the genes responsible for its signature aroma and flavour, he said.
The event also highlighted the durian’s versatility in cuisine where guests sampled dishes and desserts made from Musang King, including ice cream, cakes and even savoury dishes like curries, showcasing the fruit’s adaptability and culinary appeal.
Khairi said with global markets like China referring to it as the “Hermes of Durians”, the fruit has become a symbol of prestige and luxury, commanding prices as high as RM105 per piece.
The ambassador also highlighted Malaysia’s leadership in durian cultivation.
Over 73,000 hectares of land are dedicated to durian farming, with Musang King accounting for 36 per cent of total production.
In 2022 alone, Malaysia exported RM1.14 billion (US$1=RM4.48) worth of durian, with China contributing RM887 million to that figure, said Khairi.
In a significant milestone for Malaysia-China trade relations, the ambassador noted that Malaysia began exporting fresh, non-frozen durians to China in 2024.
The inaugural shipment included 20 tonnes of premium varieties, signalling growing international demand for Malaysian durians.
According to Khairi, with the increasing demand and continued innovation in durian cultivation, Malaysia remains at the forefront of the global durian market.
Events like the durian reception not only promote the iconic fruit but also strengthen international ties and foster appreciation for Malaysia’s unique contributions to global cuisines, he said.
The event not only managed to provide guests a taste of the Musang King but also a deeper understanding of the stories and traditions it embodies – a true representation of Malaysia’s rich heritage and global vision, he added.
-- BERNAMA
