Chances are you have seen them at the market lately. Like pumpkins, pears, apples, and pomegranates, fall is the season for this mystifying fruit called persimmon.
Have you ever tasted a persimmon? What do persimmons taste like? Are they a fruit or a vegetable?
Actually, persimmon is the new addition to the league of the superfruit, comprising bananas, plantains, cantaloupe, grapefruit, and acai berries, among others.
It’s a yellow-orange fruit, which has the same shape as a tomato. Get to learn more about this fruit, read on to this article!
What are Persimmons?
Persimmon is the fruit of various species of trees in the genus Diospyros (source).
It is totally fit for human consumption. The most extensively cultivated varieties of these are Japanese or Asian persimmon.
Originally, persimmon is from China, its trees have been grown for thousands of years, specifically for their delightful fruit and wood (source).
Even though hundreds of types of persimmons exist, the Fuyu and Hachiya varieties are amongst the most famous ones.
Moreover, usually, there are two types of persimmons –the non-astringent and astringent varieties.
The latter are high in tannins, which gives the fruit dry and bitter taste. While the former is also rich in tannins but may be consumed unripe (source).
When you allow it to be ripe fully, the flesh may almost be scooped using a spoon.
What Do Persimmons Taste Like? Do Persimmons Taste Chalky?
With texture and shape like tomato, one may wonder if the taste of persimmon also has a resemblance to it.
In the actual fact, the taste of persimmon is predominantly sweet. Nonetheless, depending on the variety of persimmon, the taste may vary.
The astringent persimmon or Hachiya tastes chalky. This is because of the high levels of tannins in them.
This divulges a bitter taste to the fruit. Eating the fruit unripe will only give you a bitter taste.
However, its tannin content may decrease once it gets ripe, thus giving a sweet flavor.
In comparison, Fuyu or non-astringent persimmon tastes sweeter since it only has few tannins in it. It also has a deep color and is crispy, firm, and delightfully sweet.
It tastes even better when it matures with soft, dark flesh, and rich, honey-like sweetness.
Best Way To Eat Persimmons
People who have tried persimmon insists that the best way to eat a raw Hachiya persimmon is to just open it and scoop it out with soon.
Their sweet, delicate taste is what makes them ideal for desserts. Not just that, they might also classically be used in English-style steamed puddings.
On the other hand, Fuyu persimmons can be peeled and diced, mixed with red onion, jalapeno pepper, and cilantro –these make for a good salsa!
Or you can slice and toss it into a salad, together with some other flavors of fall, just like pomegranate.
While persimmon tastes good even just by simply cutting it into slices, they may also be a great ingredient for bread (recipe) or even in cookies (recipe).
Not only that, but you can also enjoy persimmon in a smoothie (recipe), which would surely quench your thirst!
Conclusion
Persimmon is truly a delightful fruit that has a lot to offer! It is not difficult to determine what do persimmons taste like, you just need to classify the two varieties and you’re good to go!
Now that you know a lot of things about persimmons, you now need to try some for yourself!
Trust me, you will be obsessed. If you are feeling lazy, you can just eat it by itself –no need to turn it into an amazing recipe. I promise you will be happy you tried it!
What Do Persimmons Taste Like? Do Persimmons Taste Chalky?
Ingredients
- Persimmons
- Ingredients from your favorite recipes
Instructions
- Depending on the recipes you choose, the taste can vastly differ.
- For authentic results, it is important to choose a recipe that will highlight the original flavor.
- Have fun experimenting with different recipes and taste tests!
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