By admin
The first time I saw a persimmon, I thought it was an orange tomato. A friend of mine had brought it to school to snack on, and when I probed her about it, she gave me a taste, immediately setting me straight. This was no orange tomato: It was a sweet, soft treat that tasted like fall and cinnamon and all things cozy—hygge in fruit form. I was hooked and I had to know more.
According to Katy Green, global produce field inspector at Whole Foods Market, what I probably ate that day was a Fuyu persimmon, one of the two most common varieties of persimmon. She says the other, called Hachiya, is high in tannins and cannot be eaten if it’s even a little bit underripe, so it’s better to cook with than consume raw. On the other hand, Fuyu persimmons have way fewer tannins, so they’re better for snacking on or adding to salads, she says.
The fruit is indigenous to Asia and in season from mid-October to February, peaking from November to December. Green says you’ll start to notice them at the supermarket a lot more around Halloween.
As for how to pick the best persimmons at the supermarket, Green says the main thing you should look for is exterior color. “They should be orange and bright orange during peak season,” she explains. Additionally, the calyx (which is the star-shaped leaf at the top) should be green and in good shape, not falling off or moldy.
Unlike other fruits, persimmons continue to ripen after they’ve been picked, and often are sold while they’re still unripe and very firm, says Green. Hachiya persimmons will be ready to eat right when you buy them at the store, because they’re supposed to be firm thanks to their high level of tannins. Fuyu persimmons should be left to rest on your counter for a few days, so they have time to get soft enough to snack on. Whatever you do, she says you should never put a persimmon in the fridge. “They will turn black and the texture will be compromised,” she warns.
Put your new persimmon knowledge to work in these 17 recipes, which take advantage of the fall fruit in all the different ways. From baked goods to soups to salads and beyond, there’s something here for everyone.
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https://www.runningtothekitchen.com1 Persimmon Prosciutto Panini from Running to the Kitchen
Persimmon slices add a punch of autumn sweetness to this meat- and cheese-packed sandwich. Get the recipe here.
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https://bojongourmet.com2 Persimmon and Tangerine Smoothie from The Bojon Gourmet
With turmeric, tangerines, and persimmons, this recipe has all the orange going on. Get the recipe here.
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https://brooklynsupper.com3 Persimmon, Radish, and Watercress Salad from Brooklyn Supper
Make sure to use the Fuyu persimmons for this bright, crunchy salad. Get the recipe here.
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https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/4 Cinnamon Nut-Stuffed Persimmons from Running to the Kitchen
Who needs baked apples when you could have baked persimmons? Cinnamon and nuts really bring out the fruit’s fall flavors. Get the recipe here.
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https://www.mydiaryofus.com/5 Persimmon and Rosemary Boozy Booch from My Diary of Us
This cocktail combines kombucha with rosemary and persimmon to make something light, fizzy, and herbaceous—you won’t be able to put it down. Get the recipe here.
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https://whatsheate.com/6 Maple Roasted Persimmons With Yogurt and Granola from What She Ate
For this, you’ll need to slow roast the persimmons to get them nice and soft and yogurt-ready. Consider roasting a bunch during Sunday meal prep, so that you have some for a breakfast parfait anytime during the week. Get the recipe here.
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https://www.bakerita.com7 Paleo Persimmon Bread from Bakerita
Stuffed with nuts and spices, this bread is both a great way to take advantage of persimmons, and get a bit of protein and fiber. Get the recipe here.
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https://mayihavethatrecipe.com8 Persimmon Fennel Salad from May I Have That Recipe
Chopped fennel keeps this fall fruit-packed salad from becoming too sweet. Get the recipe here.
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https://www.mydiaryofus.com9 Ricotta, Honey, and Cracked Pepper Persimmon Toast from My Diary of Us
This appetizer seems fancy, but it’s actually really easy to throw together, and it’s a great way to get persimmon newbies hooked on the fruit. Get the recipe here.
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https://boulderlocavore.com10 Persimmon Margaritas With Homemade Cinnamon Simple Syrup from Boulder Locavore
This is a way to drink margaritas in the fall that I can get behind. Get the recipe here.
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https://healthynibblesandbits.com/11 Vegetable Hand Rolls from Healthy Nibbles and Bits
The persimmons in these veggie hand rolls are optional, but you should definitely give them a try. Get the recipe here.
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https://www.blissfulbasil.com/12 Persimmon Chia Pudding from Blissful Basil
This is exactly how you’re going to want to start every day this fall. Get the recipe here.
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https://www.twopurplefigs.com/13 Persimmon Apple Kale Salad from Two Purple Figs
This hearty salad is topped with a mustard vinaigrette that makes it irresistible. Get the recipe here.
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https://www.runningtothekitchen.com14 Almond Persimmon Pancakes from Running to the Kitchen
While there’s no actual persimmons in the almond pancakes, you won’t be able to get enough of the creamy, puréed persimmon topping. Get the recipe here.
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https://brooklynsupper.com15 Persimmon Collins Cocktail from Brooklyn Supper
A spicy, homemade persimmon syrup updates this typically citrusy classic cocktail. Get the recipe here.
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https://karalydon.com/16 Persimmon and Pear Oatmeal Bake from The Foodie Dietitian Blog
Make this oatmeal bake during Sunday meal prep and enjoy it all week long. Get the recipe here.
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https://www.cottercrunch.com17 Persimmon Butternut Squash Soup from Cotter Crunch
Yes, you can turn persimmons into soup, and you’re going to love it. Get the recipe here.
