How to Eat a Persimmon

Knowing how to eat a persimmon is essential if you want to avoid the characteristic tartness of some persimmon varieties, which can really make your mouth pucker. There are several varieties of persimmons, one of the most commonly grown is the Japanese Kaki Persimmon. The American Persimmon is smaller and native to the United States. Here are the basics of how to eat a persimmon.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Kaki Persimmons

   Learn the difference between persimmon varieties. American persimmons are about 1- 1.5 inches in diameter and have a characteristic astringent bitterness when unripe. Ripe fruits, however, are sweet and quite edible. The Japanese Kaki Persimmon is larger in size, up to the width of a fist, and can be enjoyed when still mostly firm. It is lower in tannin content and thus loses its tartness quickly.

2. 
   Persimmon tree

   Pick a persimmon, or several, from a tree or fruit seller's stand. American persimmons are ripe when they lose their bright orange color and turn darker. Find the ones that have just fallen to the ground, or gently shake the tree to loosen those almost ripe.

3. 

   Allow persimmons to ripen for several days if they are still too firm or taste at all tart or make your mouth pucker.

4. 

   Eat the persimmon like you would an apple, avoiding the seeds. Slice persimmon for addition to fruit salads, fruit trays and desserts.

5. 
   Fruit cakes

   Use persimmon pieces as edible decoration on fruit tarts and decorative cakes.

6. 
   Green Salad

   Add persimmon pieces to a green salad and drizzle with olive oil or a vinaigrette dressing.

Tips & Warnings

• Persimmon pudding is a tasty dish enjoyed in the South.

Resources

• Persimmons (Kaki) From Seed To Supper
• The Persimmon Tree (Audio CD)

[Inkling]

on 6/22/2008 All I ever wanted to know about persimmons I learned from WriterGig. Thanks!

[Walkaboutangel]

on 3/24/2008 Thanks for this...

Angel