The changes in texture that occur during ripening and cooking result from changes in the cell-wall materials, in particular the cement carbohydrates. One group is the hemicelluloses, which form strengthening cross-links between celluloses. They are built up from glucose and xylose sugars, and can be partly dissolved and removed from cell walls during cooking.

In our two loves there is but one respect

The intrepid DIY builder may be the wrong person to convince, as several posters suggested. I'd compliment his ambition, all the time pushing for what the family wants/needs (more house now), says PeterJ. I'd be looking Mom in the eye when I paint the picture of Dad with no time. . . . Plant the seed, let her do the 'convincing.' JoeH has the same idea. Build what he wants, he says. After wife notices you did the shell in a (pick a day), she'll be your inside salesman.

A man of complements