How To Eat A Persimmon
Persimmon is a delicious and nutritious fruit. Unfortunately, it is not enjoyed as much as it should, because many people don't know how to eat it. The persimmon fruit grows on trees, and its color typically varies from yellowish orange to a deeper reddish orange color. It comes in various shapes and sizes, and there are a number of varieties originating in North America, Mexico, and Philippines. We discuss the Oriental variety in this article.
What You Will Need
- Fuyu persimmons
- Hachiya persimmons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Step 1: How To Eat A Fuyu Persimmon
The Fuyu persimmon looks a bit like a squashed tomato. Wash and dry the fruit thoroughly before eating to eliminate bacteria and chemicals used to grow them. Remove the leaves and the core of the fruit. Cut into slices, or if you prefer, eat it whole.
Step 2: How To Eat A Hachiya Persimmon
The Hachiya persimmon is usually shaped like an acorn. Wash and dry the fruit. Place it on the cutting board, and cut it in half. After removing the seeds, use a spoon to scoop the fruit from the skin.
What To Look For When Choosing Your Persimmons
Knowing which persimmon is the ripest is a vital part of the full enjoyment of the fruit. Here are some tips to remember when shopping for persimmon:
- Look for persimmons that have undertones of deep red.
- Be sure your persimmons are plump and round.
- Stay away from fruit with skin that is cracked or bruised.
- Avoid persimmons without their green leaves.
- The surface of a persimmon should be smooth and glossy.
- If you are not eating the fruit right away, choose a firmer fruit and allow it to ripen until you are ready to eat it.
Choosing A Ripe Fruit
If you can't wait to eat your persimmon, you will want to choose those that are ripest. Fuyu persimmon should be crisp. Hachiya persimmon will be juicy and soft to the touch when ripe.
An unripe persimmon, no matter what type, will be bitter, and is said to suck the moisture out of your mouth. It is not a pleasant sensation. The acidity of the fruit dissipates as the fruit ripens. If your fruit is not ripe and ready to eat just yet, put it in a paper bag and store at room temperature. Once fruit has ripened, you can then move it to the refrigerator.
Other Uses For Persimmons
Slicing and eating the fruit of a persimmon is one way to enjoy this succulent fruit, but you can also use fresh, sliced Fuyu persimmons in salads. The firm slices will add a sweet bite to your next batch of greens. You can also make persimmon cookies and persimmon bread. Puree the flesh of the Hachiya persimmon to add zip to drinks and fruit sauces you create yourself.
