> Stefan:
> Yes in almost all cases. They treat the shell with some chemical preventing
> drying out. You know, durians loose lots of weight as water vaporizes. And
> you pay per pound not per piece. So the dealer is interested in keeping the
> water.
> Also the durian trees are watered and chemical fertilizers are used.
> Coconuts of Thailand get sugar injections as I mentioned.
> You may try Malaysia. I don't know if its better. I know, that Vietnam
> is much better, indeed it mostly reaches instincto-quality! There is nearly
> no commercial agriculture in Vietnam. Try their mangos, cempedaks,
> jackfruits and (starting in June) their wild durians. You will enjoy wild
> durians 10 times more than overbreeded Morn Thong from Thailand. Not much
> to eat from one fruit but incredible satisfying. Also young coconuts from
> Vietnam are great, sapotillas and milk-apples (may have another name in
> english).
>
> Hope you have luck with the shops in Chinatown. By the way: is it china-
> town of San Francisco?

Thanks Stefan, I'm in New York City. I sure will see if I can find
anything from Vietnam, but I have my doubts. I had durian when I was in
Malaysia and it was less sweet. I can get it from the same vendors in
Chinatown who have durian from Thailand, so maybe I'll try that

My best, Ellie