The Land of Frustrating Food
What is it about this country that dictates that (nearly) every native fruit, vegetable, and nut must be spectacularly frustrating to eat? Just once I’d like to bite into something without a shell, pit, spine or other natural defense preventing me from getting at the small morsel of food within.
The worst I’ve probably come across are the monstrosities pictured above. They has a name most likely, but I know them simply as Tri-cornered Demon Fruit. Besides looking downright evil, they have a stubbornly hard shell that requires one to smash off the corners to get at the flesh within.
I’m sorry, China, I can deal with chopsticks and unshelled shrimp, but that’s as far as I go. I’m sticking to the five-mao-a-piece bananas from across the street from now on.
Why should the cooks take all the fun out of eating? This way you feel more involved with your meal. It also keeps you from overeating.
BTW those look like water chestnuts. Are you sure they are fruit?
↓ Quote | Posted November 24, 2006, 7:22 amYeah, they’re probaby nuts, but calling them “Demon Nuts” didn’t sound quite right. Mea culpa.
↓ Quote | Posted November 24, 2006, 11:44 amThe Chinese have 5000 years of culinary history. Only such an ancient culture could possibly appreciate what you call “Tri-cornered Demon Fruit.” Besides, if it were so easy to eat, what else could people do for enjoyment with their 15 waking hours a day?
↓ Quote | Posted November 25, 2006, 10:36 amAnyway, I’m glad at least you can eat unshelled shrimp now. Still remember when I asked you why you didn’t eat shrimp, you gave me an astonished answer: they have the shell on!
↓ Quote | Posted November 25, 2006, 1:18 pmHow do you eat the shrimp though? Put it all in your mouth and spit out the shell? Peel with hands and then eat? I’ve seen relatives peel them with a knife and fork (takes a bit more time and skill) before eating. I opt for the first one myself. If people can slurp their noodles I can spit out shrimp shells.
↓ Quote | Posted November 26, 2006, 3:56 amI’m not sure how they’re supposed to be shelled, but I just peel off shrimp shells with my hands. There’s probably a more clever and/or theatrical way to do it.
↓ Quote | Posted November 26, 2006, 9:00 pmUse your mouth is the best way, I think.
↓ Quote | Posted November 27, 2006, 2:20 am