First, know your enemy. There are two main types: Fuyu and Hachiya. Fuyus are squat, like a tiny pumpkin. Hachiyas are shaped like a fat teardrop—or an angry heart.
Here’s the dirty secret: Fuyus are ready to eat when they’re firm and crisp. You can slice them like an apple. Hachiyas are a different beast. They are liars. They look gorgeous, but they’ll pucker your soul if you eat them too soon.
Why the difference? Tannins. Hachiyas are packed with mouth-puckering tannins until they turn into jelly. Fuyus are low-tannin rebels.
