FOOD + DRINK RECIPES + menus

In Season: Persimmons

Persimmons

Oblong and orange, a persimmon is one of those rare fruits (yes, it’s a fruit) that – unlike apples and oranges – hasn’t made it to top billing in lunchboxes or kitchens. Their bright colour always catches my eye in the produce aisle, but I’ve never been brazen enough to buy one. In season during the late fall and winter, I did a bit of recipe research to learn more about the flavour and uses for this exotic-looking fruit.

green salad with pomegranates and persimmons

Like most fruit, there are several varieties of persimmon, but the most popular are fuyu and hachiya. Versatile persimmons can be eaten fresh, dried or cooked, but unless perfectly ripe the flavour can be bitter with a chalky texture. To ensure it’s ripe and sweet, a persimmon should feel like it’s about to burst in your hand – like an overfilled water balloon.

quinoa with persimmon, pomegranate and walnuts

You can bite into a persimmon just like an apple, but check out the recipes below for a few more options to treat your tastebuds.

For inspiring recipes, look at:

Green Salad with Pomegranates and Persimmons from Brooklyn Supper
Persimmon Oat Crumble with Coconut Sorbet from Desserts for Breakfast
Persimmon Martini from Lisa Is Cooking
Persimmon Bread at David Lebovitz
Quinoa with persimmon, pomegranate and walnuts from Kosher Camembert

SOURCING:
+ Photos: Top left and the persimmon oat crumble by Stephanie Shih Photography
+ Photo: Hachiya persimmons from Pham Fatale
+ Photo: Persimmons for breakfast from Big Flavors From A Tiny Kitchen
  • Pierre Bouchard
    December 13, 2010 at 14:29

    In French, we call these “kakis”. I discovered these exotic fruits several years ago at Marché Jean-Talon and, since then, I can’t wait for this period of the year where these fruits are exquisite. Thanks for the recipes.

  • eeny
    December 13, 2010 at 14:32

    Oh I love those, I am basically eating one persimmon a day =) I love them with joghurt and some swiss muesli.

  • Natz Rosin
    December 14, 2010 at 22:21

    I love! And always eat them fresh. Here in Brasil we call it “caqui” and I can’t wait for its season next year. We eat like 3 a day!