Persimmons are an edible fruit. It’s a type of berry, and it grows on some species of trees in the genus Diospyros.
The most commonly grown trees in this genus are the Diospyros kaki.
These persimmons are heart-shaped or acorn-shaped and are the ones most often seen in Europe.
This article will cover what persimmons taste like and common questions related to their taste.
What Do Persimmons Taste Like?
Generally, permissions have a sweet and slightly tangy taste when eaten. Their texture can be soft but can also be a little fibrous.
There are different kinds of persimmons, so the fruit differs in shape and color. However, the ones most seen in the UK are called Kaki, from the Diospyros kaki.
This fruit is native to East Asia but is found in Europe as well.
In general, there are two types of persimmon fruits. There are astringent and non-astringent types.
The Hachiya we previously mentioned is a type of astringent persimmon that needs to be fully ripened before consumption.
When the fruit is eaten before ripening, its high tannin content makes the fruit astringent and the taste, bitter. When it is eaten ripe, it has a pulp-like texture and a sweet, honeyed flavor.
Another type of persimmon is Fuyu. Fuyu is shaped spherically, sort of like a tomato. Unlike tomatoes, they have soluble tannins.
These tannins aren’t as astringent as those found in Hachiya so that they can be eaten while unripe. They won’t be as bitter as Hachiyas but expect a sour taste, but eating them when ripe is still preferable.
Another type of permission is called Sharon fruit. This fruit originates from Israel, but it can be grown anywhere with a greenhouse.
This fruit tastes sweet and mild. It has lots of juice and no core or seeds so that it can be eaten whole.
There’s also the American variant called Diospyros virginiana. These persimmons can be eaten fresh but are usually used as ingredients for other fruity meals and pastries.
The American persimmon has a rich, sweet taste. The taste of this fruit can be likened to honey or caramel. The taste is made even more complex by the fruit’s custard-like texture.
Remember, you should eat astringent types like the Kaki and Hachiya after they’ve fully ripened for the best enjoyment.
Non-astringent variants like the Sharon-fruit and Fuyu can be eaten when they’ve not fully ripe. This is because they do not have a high amount of tannins.
They can also be eaten when they’re very ripe to overripe.
It is safe to say all options have a custardy, sweet taste, albeit some more than others.
How to Eat Persimmons
Many people have the misconception that the Hachiya persimmons are “baking persimmons.”
While persimmons can be baked into pastries, there’s no single variant that should be tagged for one method of cooking.
When the Hachiya persimmon is absolutely ripe, this fruit is pulpy and soft enough to burst. You can simply cut it in half and scoop out the richness with a spoon.
The Fuyu persimmon is harder and can be eaten like an apple. You can choose to peel it or leave the skin.
However, if you want to learn what raw persimmons taste like, you can choose to leave it on and enjoy the fruit whole.
The Sharon fruit has no seeds or core and can be eaten when ripe. They can be cooked or baked, as well.
The American persimmons can be cooked or baked and are commonly used as ingredients in many dishes. They can also be sliced and scooped like the Hachiya or eaten in bites like the Fuyu.
When are Persimmons Ripe?
Persimmons may start to ripen as early as the beginning of autumn.
For astringent persimmon trees, their fruits don’t ripen all at once. These fruits may ripen very slowly, as slowly as one fruit every few days.
This can make them natural food for birds and other animals.
However, this can be solved by picking the mature persimmons. You’ll know the mature ones because they’re green or yellow.
Once they’re picked, place them in paper bags to ripen.
To hasten the ripening process even more, place apples or bananas within the bags. Close the bag up loosely and wait, periodically checking on it.
The ethylene gas apples and bananas release will speed up the process.
How to Prepare Persimmons
There is no shortage of ways to prepare persimmons. They’re useful for all sorts of foods,especially baked ones.
You can peel off their skin and chop them up and serve with some lime juice.
You can also juice them. Persimmons are very versatile fruits, so juice them with other fruits as well.
How to Store Persimmons
Persimmons bought at your local store or market are usually nearly ripe.
Ripe persimmons can keep for one or two days in the fridge. Keep I ripe and unwashed permissions in the fridge for a few weeks.
To ripen them, store them at room temperature until they mature.
What Can You Make with Persimmons
When you ask what persimmons taste like, the answer can change once the fruit is cooked.
Persimmons can lend their creamy taste to many foods. It’s just a matter of what kind.
- Salads: Astringent persimmons can be used to add a kick in salads.
- Baked goods: Persimmons are great for all kinds of baked goods—muffins, cupcakes, pies, puddings, strudels, cakes, cookies, flan, etc. Pour some glaze over your sliced Fuyu and bake it.
- Meals: There are dozens of ways to cook persimmons. Add it in a meal, juice it and add it to a sauce, stew, or soup. You can also roast them as a snack. For an easy meal, you can slice some Fuyu or American persimmons and place them on your toast or roll them up in a veggie burrito.
- Drinks: Squeeze some persimmon juice into alcohol or punch. You can also add them to a smoothie or cocktail.
- Ice Cream: Persimmons — particularly Hachiyas — are delicious when eaten with ice cream.
To Sum Up
Persimmons are a very versatile fruit. Answering the question, “what do persimmons taste like?” depends on how you choose to eat the fruit.
You can choose to slice and dice your persimmon and eat it raw.
Or you can be adventurous and try a new persimmon-inspired dish or drink.