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The Ultimate Guide to Effortlessly Opening Durian: 2 Hacks to Avoid a Mess and a Workout

The art of selecting and cracking open a durian can be a daunting task for many, especially those new to this unique fruit.

Administrator

11 September, 2024

1. Choosing the Perfect Durian

To select the best durian fruit, keep the following in mind:

Shape: Opt for durians that are evenly round and not misshapen. These tend to have larger, fuller segments. Ripe durians also have slightly cracked shells and emit a strong, sweet aroma.

Spikes: The spikes of a durian indicate its ripeness. Look for spikes that are large, evenly spaced, and firm with rounded tips. Smaller, sharper spikes suggest an unripe fruit.

Stem: A durian’s stem is another important indicator of freshness. A ripe durian will have a firm, fresh-looking stem. If the stem is wilted or missing, the fruit may not be as fresh as desired.

2. Easy Ways to Cut Durian

Once you’ve selected a delicious durian, it’s time to cut and enjoy it. Here are two simple methods:

Method 1: Cutting with a Knife

Tools:

Gloves

Knife with a pointed tip

Steps:

Identify the natural creases: Durians have natural creases running from the top to the stem. These creases mark the divisions between the segments.

Cut the durian: Remove the stem, then stand the durian upright and cut along the creases from the top to the stem. You can cut as many segments as you like.

Separate the segments: Gently pull or use a knife to separate the segments along the cut lines. Now you’re ready to savor the delicious fruit.

Method 2: No-Knife Approach

For very ripe and smaller durians, you can try this knife-free method:

Hold the durian by its stem: Then, firmly knock the top of the fruit against a hard surface or the ground.

Separate the segments: After knocking, the durian will naturally split along the creases. Gently pull the segments apart and enjoy.

Storing Durian for Later

If you can’t finish a large durian in one go, only cut a few segments as needed. Leave the rest of the fruit intact to prolong its freshness. If you’ve cut too much, store the extra segments in an airtight container in the fridge. Ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent the durian’s strong aroma from permeating other foods.

With these tips, you’ll not only choose the best durians but also easily cut and store them, ensuring a delightful experience with this unique fruit.

Frequently asked questions

There are two simple hacks to effortlessly open a durian fruit. The first method involves using a towel to grip the fruit and a knife to cut through the stem. This avoids the fruit slipping and reduces the effort required. The second hack is to freeze the durian fruit before opening it. Freezing the fruit hardens the flesh, making it easier to cut through and reducing the mess.

Durian fruit has a very strong odor and a spiky, hard exterior. If not opened carefully, the fruit can slip and the spikes can cause injury. The odor can also be overwhelming and persist on any surfaces it comes into contact with.

Freezing a durian fruit makes it easier to open by hardening the flesh, reducing the mess and effort required. It also preserves the fruit, allowing you to store it for later consumption.

It is recommended to wear gloves when handling durian to avoid the strong odor lingering on your hands. Consuming durian with sweet foods or drinks can also enhance the flavor and make it a more enjoyable experience.