Persimmons are round orange fruits that ripen during the fall season. Keep reading to discover the details about persimmon, how to eat them, and what recipes they can be included in.
What is a Persimmon Exactly?
A persimmon is a fruit that belongs to the genus Diospyros and is most commonly found in East Asia. They come in several varieties, each with its own flavor, texture, and uses in cooking.
Where are Persimmons Grown?
Persimmons can be grown in locations with long growing seasons and warm climates. In the US, they are produced in the orchards of California’s San Joaquin Valley, harvested in northern Georgia, grown in Texas, and cultivated in smaller quantities in states like Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama.
What Do Persimmons Taste Like?
Persimmons are sweet, with a honey or syrup flavor, as long as they are ripe. Underripe persimmons are sour and not pleasant to consume.
4 Types of Persimmons
1. Fuyu
Fuyu persimmons are mostly found in Asia. Shorter than other varieties, these persimmons look very similar to a small apple in shape.
2. Hachiya
Hachiya persimmons are longer, looking more like a pepper. Hachiya persimmons are more finicky than Fuyu persimmons and are bitter when underripe.
3. Early Golden
Early Golden persimmons are the main variety that grows in America. Much smaller than other varieties, these persimmons look more like plums or nectarines.
4. Nikita’s Gift
The Nikita’s Gift variety of persimmons is a hybrid between the Early Golden and one of the Asian varieties. Because it is a mix of Asian and American stock, this variety is much larger than the Early Golden and is known to be sweeter.
Can You Eat Persimmon Skin?
Whether or not persimmon skin can be eaten depends on the variety. Fuyu and Early Golden persimmons have delicious and edible skin, but Hachiya persimmons have bitter skin that must be removed before consumption.
How to Eat Persimmons
Persimmons can generally be eaten just as an apple or plum; just rinse and then enjoy. When consuming Hachiya persimmons, peel using a potato peeler before consuming. It is also possible to slice a persimmon like an apple or pear.
It is important to note that the stem and any leaf portion found on a persimmon are not edible and should be removed before consumption.
Can You Eat Persimmon Seeds?
Persimmon seeds are not tasty and should be removed from the fruit prior to eating. Only fruit from a female persimmons tree contains seeds, so seed removal might not even be necessary depending on the persimmons.
What Recipes Can Persimmons Be Used For?
Persimmons are very sweet when ripe and are best used in dessert recipes such as pudding or cookies. Persimmons can also be used in a fruit salad, to make a smoothie, or even in granola bars.
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