How to Choose a Good Durian
6 Steps to Choosing A Good Durian
First of all, what is a good durian? For us, a good durian is one that is ripe, fresh and free from larvae/worms. However, a durian with worm doesn’t mean it is not good because it can still be delicious.
So how do you know if a durian is good or fresh? Here are some steps you can try when looking for a good durian:
1. Look at the tip, if it is too dry means it is no longer fresh. A little dry is okay.
2. Look at the bottom, if it is crack it may be over-ripe or not so fresh. But it still can be delicious.
3. Smell the durian, if there is a strong smell, it is most likely good. If there is no smell, it is probably not ripe.
4. Use your fingernails to scratch the durian; if it sounds hollow it is likely to be a good one.
5. Put the durian close to your ear, shake it and listen carefully, if there is a ‘moving’ sound, it is likely to be good.
6. Look for holes around the durian, if there is tiny hole somewhere, there is likely to be a worm (larva of an insect) that has burrow into it.
7. Yes, there is actually a 7th step, but it’s not going to be useful. If you have the chance to open the durian, open it and taste it.
Ways of Opening A Durian
There are few ways to open the durian. Some might find opening a durian just too difficult, so I’ll list other methods in case you want to try another way.
1. Use a short knife, one that is slightly bigger than the standard Swiss army knife- most durian farmers use this.
2. Use a big knife, the one for chopping meat – ladies love to use this.
3. Use bare hands – works well for some over-ripe durians.
4. Use a special durian opener, which is made of wood.
Learning English by Uncle Teng 