Tear apart first edible (4)

I believe the answer is:

ripe

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'tear apart first edible' is the definition.
The definition and answer are not the same part of speech.

'tear apart first edible' is the wordplay.
'tear apart' becomes 'rip' (I've seen this in another clue).
'first edible' becomes 'e' (rst letter of 'edible').
'rip'+'e'='RIPE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ripe that I've seen before include "Strong-smelling" , "Mature, ready for eating" , "Mature and ready to be eaten" , "green? No!" , "Ready (to be eaten or used)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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