CHUKAI, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- The Durian Tembaga Bukit Kemuning, which originates from Bukit Kemuning in Kijal, is among the finest durians in Terengganu, with the potential to rival popular varieties such as Musang King and Black Thorn.
Orchard owner Hassim Ibrahim, 70, said the fruit's thick flesh, combined with a rich, slightly bitter, creamy taste and distinctive aroma, sets it apart from other varieties found in the state.
He said the Durian Tembaga Bukit Kemuning tree in his orchard, which is over 20 years old, is the only surviving tree of this variety in Bukit Kemuning, which is home to approximately 100 durian growers with a total orchard area of about 150 hectares.
"I bought this orchard of over one hectare six years ago. It also has other local durian varieties, but the unique flavour of the Durian Tembaga Bukit Kemuning makes it the top choice among durian enthusiasts," he said when met at his orchard.
Hassim said the fruit's unique and exquisite taste earned it the title of champion at the Best Durian Competition, held in conjunction with the recent Jom Chekoh Durian Kijal programme in Bukit Kemuning.
The event was officiated by Datuk Razali Idris, Terengganu Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee chairman and Kijal assemblyman.
Hassim said he is grateful that nearly all of his 30 durian trees, including the Durian Tembaga Bukit Kemuning, have produced a bountiful harvest this season after remaining barren for the past four years.
He attributed this development to the use of several types of fertiliser supplied by the Terengganu State Department of Agriculture to durian growers in the area over the past two years.
"Although there is only one tree, this Durian Tembaga Bukit Kemuning tree has produced over 200 fruits, allowing me to sell them at RM8.50 per kilogramme. It is in high demand among durian enthusiasts in the surrounding areas," he said.
Meanwhile, Razali said that during the 1980s and 1990s, durians from Bukit Kemuning were renowned nationwide and highly sought after by durian lovers.
In light of that, he said the state government aims to restore the former glory of Bukit Kemuning durians by tasking the Terengganu State Department of Agriculture with conducting research to produce more Durian Tembaga Bukit Kemuning seeds for propagation and commercial cultivation.
"I believe the Durian Tembaga Bukit Kemuning has significant potential to be promoted as a signature durian variety from Terengganu.
"If the seed propagation is effective, this variety can not only be cultivated more extensively, but also has the potential to become an agro-tourism product to draw more visitors to Bukit Kemuning," he said.
-- BERNAMA