Add the lush flavor of persimmons to your fall menus
CONCORD, CA (Oct. 18, 2022) — When the season changes from summer to fall, persimmon trees begin to burst with gorgeous, bright orange fruit.
Their autumn colors just shout “Fall is here” as farmers market booths begin to fill with this beautiful and delicious fruit.
Stroll through the market and you’ll see two distinct shapes and varieties of persimmons. Although there are hundreds of varieties, only two principal types are well known here in California: the Hachiya and Fuyu.
Hachiya persimmons are a beautiful fruit about the size of a medium peach. They are acorn-shaped with shiny, bright orange skin and pale green, papery leafy caps. As the fruit ripens, the skin dulls and takes on the texture of a water balloon. The astringent tannin evaporates, and the fruit becomes sweeter.
Fuyu persimmons are squatter and rounder. The yellow-orange color is not as brilliant as the Hachiya. It almost looks like a tiny pumpkin or perhaps a slightly flattened tomato. Unlike the Hachiya, the Fuyu can be consumed immediately. It is crisp, lightly sweet and crunchy, like a Fuji apple.
Both varieties are honey-like, sweet and rich. They have an apricot-like flavor, although some liken the flavor to plums, even pumpkins. The peels are edible.
Storage
Store both varieties at room temperature and eat them within a few days. Place them in a paper bag to ripen them faster.
You’ll find Hachiya and Fuyu persimmons at the farmers market from J&J Ramos Farms out of Hughson. Purchasing them at your local farmers markets assures that they are of the highest quality and flavor. You will also be supporting local farmers and the communities in which they grow their fabulous produce.
Here are some ways to enjoy this lovely fall fruit:
- Persimmon cookies or bread. The Hachiya variety is best for this because they soften nicely and are easily incorporated into your recipe.
- Persimmon salad. Use sliceable Fuyu persimmons just as you would an apple.
- Persimmon jam or butter. Use the Hachiya variety.
- Roasted persimmons. For a tasty side dish to roasts, use Fuyu persimmons because they hold up under roasting conditions.
- Persimmon crostini. Slice Fuyu persimmons on toasted baguette with brie or goat cheese.
During the Concord Farmers Market Fall and Winter schedule, the market opens every Tuesday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Visit www.pcfma.org for more information.