North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["V. Michael Bove, Jr." <vmb@teakettlefarm.com>]

Yes, the infamous glochids.  I've been told to use the flame of a gas  
stove, or a propane torch!  I've also been told just to wear nitrile  
gloves when preparing the fruit, and scoop the flesh out for serving.

Michael Bove
Teakettle Farm, Zone 6 (MA/RI border)

On Jul 3, 2008, at 7:20 PM, Hilborn.E@epamail.epa.gov wrote:

> But there is an important element to eating this fruit- the small,  
> fine thorns on the surface of the fruit must be removed or they will  
> embed in your flesh. They are so fine they are difficult to remove.
>
> I was taught to burn the spines off the fruit with a match.  It  
> worked. I don't know if ther are other effective methods.