Persimmons are fruits that belong to the Diospyros group. They are bright orange in color and are harvested during the fall season, meaning it is persimmon season from October to January. Their origins are from China - they are believed to be cultivated in China about 2,000 years ago. Hence, persimmons are quite popular in China, South Korea, and Japan during autumn.
In fact, these three countries are the largest producers of persimmons worldwide. You can also find this berry-like fruit in Brazil, Spain, or even California.
Persimmons come in two varieties. They are:
1. Fuyu
Fuyu persimmons are the most common types of persimmons that you will come across in your local grocery store, farmers’ market, or e-commerce. Fuyu persimmons are known as the non-astringent type, meaning you don’t have to wait for the persimmons to fully ripen in order to eat them. You can just eat them raw.
The Fuyu persimmons are quite small. They typically have a diameter ranging from 5cm to 7cm. Fuyu persimmons are round and squat, similar to the shape of a tomato. Since Fuyu persimmons are non-astringent fruits, you can consume them either when they are firm or totally ripe.
The Fuyu persimmons are harvested from mid-fall and all throughout winter. The texture is similar to a mix between an apricot and an apple. The good thing about Fuyu persimmons is that you can eat them like an apple, even if they are unripe.
2. Hachiya
Hachiya persimmons are larger than Fuyu persimmons. Each Hachiya persimmon has a diameter ranging from 7cm to 10cm. The shape is also quite different compared to Fuyu persimmons. The Hachiya persimmons have a rather oval and elongated shape. These types of persimmons are harvested from late fall and all throughout winter.
The Hachiya persimmons are known as astringent persimmons. This means that if you consume unripe ones, you will get a chalky taste. So, it is best to wait till they are nice and soft. If you do consume an unripe Hachiya persimmon, you may feel as if the fruit is sucking out the moisture from your mouth. Luckily, this sensation goes away within just a few minutes.
What do persimmons look like?
Persimmons are seasonal fruits that typically have a round or acorn shape and give off a glossy or waxy outer appearance. They are usually a mix of orange and red colors. However, you may come across ones that are brown in color as well. Persimmons have smooth, firm skin and a fleshy interior that is sweet and slightly tangy. Some varieties of persimmons can be quite large such as the Hachiya, while others are smaller and more compact like the Fuyu.
Regardless of the variety, you will notice that persimmons have a star in the middle.
Are persimmons nutritious?
Persimmons are quite nutritious. This fruit is rich in vitamins A, C, E, K, and even B6. It is also a great source of fiber and contains essential minerals like potassium, copper, and magnesium.
Persimmons are also full of antioxidants, which may help to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve vision. A single persimmon contains around 118 calories.
Where can you find persimmons in the US?
Persimmons are grown in various parts of the United States, but they are most commonly grown in California and Florida. They are also grown in small quantities in other states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Georgia, and Louisiana. In California, the persimmon season typically runs from October to December. On the other hand, the persimmon season in Florida runs from September to December.
You can find persimmons in many supermarkets and farmers' markets across the United States. Some supermarkets may carry them all year round, but they are typically in season during late fall and early winter. Additionally, you can find persimmons at specialty produce stores, Asian markets, and from local orchards and farms. Online marketplaces such as Amazon Fresh or Instacart may also carry them, depending on the location.
If you want to pick your own persimmons, you can look for orchards and farms that grow persimmons near you. Keep in mind that availability may vary depending on the location, and some varieties may be more difficult to find than others.
Can you grow persimmons at home?
Yes, it is possible to grow persimmons at home. Persimmons are generally hardy and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, but they do prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. They are also tolerant of heat and drought, making them well-suited for many climates.
There are two main types of persimmon trees: astringent and non-astringent. Astringent persimmon varieties, such as the American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) and the Japanese Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) are typically propagated by grafting or air-layering. On the other hand, non-astringent varieties, such as Fuyu persimmon can be propagated by seed or by grafting.
When growing persimmons at home, it is important to provide the tree with full sun and to protect it from frost. Persimmon trees are deciduous and can be grown in pots or in the ground. They can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, and pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
It is important to note that persimmon trees can take several years to bear fruit, so patience is key. Moreover, the tree may grow up to 40ft in height so make sure you have enough space in your background to accommodate the large tree.
Check out this video to learn more about growing persimmons by yourself!