From slicing to scooping, heres how to prepare and eat this nutrient-packed fruit.
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Fall produce is some of the best.
One of my favorites of the bunch is the persimmon.
Photo:Nungning20 via Getty Images
Fuyu persimmons are flat-bottomed and round.
These fruits look like orange tomatoes.
Their skin is crisp and firm when ripe, and the fruit is best enjoyed raw.
Hachiya persimmons are reddish-orange, and they are more oblong in shape than Fuyu, with tapered ends.
Unlike Fuyu, ripe Hachiya persimmons are completely soft and have thin skin.
The fruit should be heavy for its size, and the stem end should smell slightly sweet.
If its a Fuyu, the skin should feel firm; for a Hachiya, it should be soft.
How to Prepare Persimmons
Like all produce, persimmons should be rinsed under cold, running water.
To prepare Fuyus, cut off the leaves and stem and remove the core.
The peel, however, is edible and nutritious, so keep it on.
Then, slice the fruit however youd like.
Thin slices are delicious when tossed into a salad or incorporated into yogurt or smoothie bowls.
Larger wedges can be enjoyed as-is for a snack.
Cook diced pieces into a variety of savory or sweet dishes like curries.
Hachiya persimmons are valued for their incredibly soft texture and honey-sweet taste.
Let the fruit ripen until completely soft before eating.
Remove the top leaves, stem and core, then slice in half from stem to tip.
How to Eat Persimmons
Whats the best way to eat Fuyu persimmons?
We like them raw and added to salads like thisBitter Greens Salad with Persimmons, Manchego & Hazelnut Vinaigrette.
Cutting it thin releases more of the fruits delicate floral flavors, she says.
you’re able to often find dried persimmons year-round in bags of dried fruit.
These can be nibbled on for a grab-and-go snack.
Or use it as a topping for pancakes, yogurt, cheese or lean pork, she recommends.
Health Benefits of Persimmons
Persimmons are packed with nutrition.
Their bright orange and red color is a sign that they contain healthful plant compounds.
And finally, theyre full of vitamin A, which may potentiallyimprove insulin resistance.
Give them a try in your next salsa recipe or bake them into your next loaf of banana bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wait until the fruit is ripe for the best flavor.
Yes, persimmons can be eaten raw.
Ripe persimmons are usually bright and vibrant orange to reddish-orange depending on variety.
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