Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
Seasons/Availability
Hachiya persimmons are available in the winter months.
Current Facts
The Hachiya persimmon AKA Beekeeper, botanical name Diospyros kaki, is the fruit of a deciduous and evergreen tree of the Ebenaceae (Ebony) genus. The Hachiya is one of over 200 known species of persimmons, though it has been documented that there are over 1000 actual varieties. Persimmon trees evolve new varieties out of natural occurring mutations. Thus, there are new sub species that may or may not have been recorded over time. The Hachiya persimmon is a pollination constant type persimmon, which means that it does not require pollination to be non-astringent.
Description/Taste
Hachiya persimmons are rounded, slightly elongated and acorn-shaped, coming to a blunted point at their non-stem end. When fully ripe the fruits are a beautiful deep orange. Another indicator of ripeness is that the fruit should feel like a water balloon when resting in your hand. The skins are thin, similar to a tomato. The flesh is even deeper orange in color and more striking then the skin. It is jellied in texture, yet in a refined way. The flavor is candy sweet and possesses nuances of baking spices, raisins and brown sugar.
Applications
Ripe Hachiya persimmons can be eaten out of hand, the flesh cut in half and spooned out of its thin skin. It also happens to be a versatile winter fruit for many applications both sweet and savory. It can be made into purees, sherbets, ice creams, jams, compotes, puddings, breads, cakes, pies and tarts. Complimentary pairings include pomegranates, pears, apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, vanilla, cream, maple syrup, honey, prunes, dates, citrus zest, almonds, pistachios, light vinaigrettes, pork chops, shrimp, basil, chiles such as thai and red serranos, aged hard cheeses such as manchego and parmesan cheese.
Geography/History
The original persimmon is native to China.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Hachiya Persimmons. One
is easiest, three is harder.
