ON July 13, 2014 we tasted a durian which we consider to have an exceptional eating quality besides having other desirable qualities. This is the Rajah Kunyit variety with flesh that is chrome yellow, sweet and has mealy consistency.

This is at the Kabacan orchard of Dr. Pablito P. Pamplona, a very good friend who is now retired from the University of Southern Mindanao. He is the owner of a number of orchards located in different places in North Cotabato.

Aside from its excellent eating quality, the fruit is relatiely small – about one to two kilos per fruit. This is a desirable size because smaller fruits are easier to market, especially if they have good eating quality.

The Rajah Kunyit tree is also less susceptible to common durian diseases like anthracnose and phytophthora, according to Joseph, Dr. Pamplona’s son who is now involved in managing the orchards. This variety is also very prolific.