Persimmons: Persimmons, a fruit few have tried, but one that should be in the rotation of every one looking for interesting healthy options in the winter. When you try to eat seasonally the fruit options in the winter get slim. Persimmons can help round out your dose of citrus. Persimmons feel a lot like a tomato but have a sweet taste that I have fallen in love with.
The idea for this series actually starts with the persimmon. Last year a customer asked about receiving a donation every month so she could teach her class about different fruits and vegetables. I was happy to help and thought it was a great idea for adults too. When she picked persimmon I was intrigued since I had never tried one either.
I expected tart or just kind of boring, because how could something so unknown in my world be good? Certainly if it was good I would have already heard about it. I was surprised to find it sweet, juicy and not at all boring.
There are a few varieties of persimmon but the one I am using is Fuyu. The other common variety, Hachiya, can be extremely tart unless it is perfectly ripe and the Fuyu is more forgiving.
Season: fall & winter
What to look for when you buy: You want a shiny smooth fruit free of cracks and bruises. So basically what you would look for in most fruit.
How to store it: You can purchase rock hard persimmon and they will ripen on the counter at home. If you don’t need your ripe fruit you can put it in the fridge for 3 days.
How to prepare it: Cut this beauty in wedges just like you would a tomato, in wedges or don’t cut it at all and eat it like a apple.
My favorite way to use it: I like if just sliced and eaten raw thought it makes a great addition to a salad for its flavor and color. You can try my favorite salad, Persimmon & Pear salad.
Links to some great pomegranate recipes:
Roasted Persimmons Wrapped in Pancetta - roasted and pancetta what more do you need to get you making this? A great paleo recipe
Persimmon Cookies - What?!? I am going to need some of these in my holiday baking this year. The spice combinations looks amazing.
Persimmon Mojitos - I love mojitos because they are easy for me to turn into nonalcoholic versions. The rest of you grab that bottle of rum.
