Fresh Durian is Tough to Open!

I never knew that there is a correlation between how difficult a durian is to open and how recently it dropped from the tree (prime ripeness). That is until I tried to pry open the durians that we bought for my dad and Vincent to eat while they were here.

These are the same specimens that were purchased for the New Staff Orientation. Only this time, we were ready to enjoy them immediately.

But first, I had to get them open. The vendor had thoughtfully cut a notch in the bottom of each fruit--just enough to get a grip. But I could barely exert enough pressure to pull the husks apart.
 

I about punctured the palms of my hands and spiked my thighs as the fruit slid under immense effort and frustration.

At long last, success! And the superficial wounds and sweaty effort was well worth it!

The next day, Ju and Vince came over to help us finish the rest of the uneaten durians. By then, the fruit were very easy to open, and the flavors had mellowed and were flat.

~ Shien