Seasons/Availability
Having a peak season October to late December, Fuyu Persimmons make sporadic appearances throughout the year. Locally grown California Persimmons are available fall through early winter.
Current Facts
The flatter and crisper Fuyu variety; the slightly oval Hachiya; and the Tanenashi are the most frequently seen persimmons in our markets today. A rare nonastringent variety of the persimmon is from Israel's Sharon Valley and is named the Sharon persimmon. This improved variety has no core, is seedless and contains no tannin.
Description/Taste
Somewhat resembling a tomato, Fuyu persimmons have a thin reddish-orange skin and soft flesh. Ripe fruit offers a pleasant, spicy, sweet flavor and is tannin-free. Described as having a flavor compared to a blend of mango and papaya, some say it has an apricot overtone. Others say it tastes like an apple and orange mixed together. Whether it is crisp-hard or just slightly soft, this persimmon is ready to be enjoyed.
Nutritional Value
Persimmons offer an excellent source of fiber and contain lots of vitamin A, plus are a good source of vitamin C. Practically fat-free, persimmons are sodium-free. Containing only a moderate amount of calories, this nutritious fruit offers a nice supply of potassium. One 6 ounce fruit has about 118 calories. Eating five daily servings of fruits and vegetables lower the chances of getting cancer. A recent study found that eating nine or ten daily servings of fruits and vegetables and three servings of low-fat dairy products were effective in lowering blood pressure.
Applications
Fully ripened persimmons are excellent eaten alone and are absolutely delicious made into sherbets, puddings, jams, purees, breads, ice creams, stewed fruits, cakes and other baked goods. Meltingly soft and sweet, persimmon halves are delicious served with a wedge of lemon or lime and eaten like a melon. Luscious texture and sweetness are given to green salads and fruit salads with the addition of the persimmon. Hot dishes can be flavor-enhanced by adding slices of persimmon at the very end of the cooking process to maintain its delicate flavor and texture. Spoon pureed persimmons over puddings and cakes for an especially sweet offering. Spices that enhance the flavor or the persimmon are cinnamon, allspice, cloves and nutmeg. This fruit may be used similar to the banana. Ripen fruit in a paper bag at room temperature. Ripe fruit may be refrigerated up to one week in a plastic bag.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In the Orient, this fruit is considered to be one of the best. In our part of the world, however, persimmons had not gained much importance until their qualities and the graceful beauty of their small trees were noticed. The French call this fruit "kaki", its Japanese name and make a dessert by scooping out the persimmon and filling it with kirsch. The Chinese like to dry the fruit and make a candy and sometimes let it freeze on the tree. Some Native Americans took advantage of the natural astringency of the fruit which is a result of the presence of tannins and used the persimmon for medicinal purposes. However, the reaction to this medicine has been described as "harsh and choakie". Wines, brandies and beer have also been made from the persimmon by early settlers but there is no documention of complaints on these products.
Geography/History
Originating in northern China, persimmons are truly an Asian delight. Popular and primarily grown in Japan, the persimmons have traveled around the world from its origins in Asia. Not getting raving reviews, early explorers referred to the Native American persimmon as having a seriously astringent flavor. Lovely, large and juicy, this Japanese persimmon is the fruit that is most extensively cultivated in that country. The persimmon is known by several names which include date plum, apple of the Orient, monkey guava, bush kaki, Chinese fig, keg-fig and swamp ebony. Due to its membership in the ebony family, the last nickname was given to this fruit whose wood is used from golf clubs to shoe frames.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Featured Recipes
Recipes that include Fuyu Persimmons. One
is easiest, three is harder.
