Fuyu persimmonsIf you've never had persimmons before, there are two varieties seen in stores (I saw a third in CA!). Fuyu persimmons (as shown above) look like an orange tomato. These can be eaten slightly under-ripe like an apple (skin included). Hachiya persimmons look more like an acorn. These you want to let fully ripen, otherwise it'll be so astringent (due to tannins) you won't want to eat another one... and that would be a shame! When it's ripe, it will be very soft (almost squishy), and you scoop out the pulp (not eating the skin). Hachiya's can be ripened in the freezer if you're short on time, otherwise just leave them at RT. The pulp can be frozen, too!
So what did I do with my persimmon pulp?? I tried Joy's Persimmon Pudding, using buttermilk instead of milk, white whole wheat flour, and baking it with the foil on then off (half the time). I don't even know how to describe this, except moist and yummy! I really enjoyed it... for dessert and breakfast ;)
Persimmon PuddingI also made a small batch of muffins using Susan's recipe for a Fall Harvest Cake. Incredibly moist (I'm sensing a theme) from the persimmon puree and studded with freshly picked apples, these little cakes disappeared very quickly!
Fall Harvest MuffinsNext time you see these babies in the store, pick some up and treat your tastebuds! Do you have a favorite thing to do with persimmons???
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30 comments:
Never tried persimmons! Are they a citrus?
Jess- They are actually a berry (according to wikipedia). I have a hard time describing the taste, but it's sweet. I've heard it likened to a cross between apricots and dates... perhaps!
Of COURSE I recognized the 'Full House' set! Love that show.
I definitely do NOT have a favorite thing to do with persimmons since, like Jess (above), I've never had one before, haha ;)
A favorite fruit of my family, will not be able or have any chance to turn them into a cake, because as soon I have them, they disappear very quick.
I totally always see them and have never tried them! I really want to give them a whirl- maybe I will pick one up this weekend. Hows boston treating you?
I just got the hachiya persimmons the other day and was so surprised when I realized that they were definitely not ripe enough... I guess I've only had the fuyu kind before. So you don't eat the skin on the hachiyas, only eat the pulp? Hmm, definitely not what I signed up for. Next time I'm buying the cheaper/yummier fuyus... and meanwhile I'm going to let the rest of mine ripen to death so I can recreate those little cakes! :)
I have never had a persimmon but I am really curious and want to try one. I am totally going to look for them at the grocery store this week.
I've never had a persimmon before, but your post has peaked my interest! I'm going to look for them this weekend.
love how you try the funky stuff and then make something even funkier with it.
you rock.
(rarely am I in boston, crossing the bridge here on cape cod is a big event for us natives, but if I travel to boston I would love to hook up).
havent tried a persimmon yet! I saw them in whole foods the other day! next time i am in there, they're going in my cart :)
I still haven't found them! I'll keep a look out though!
OMG I love persimmons. Fuyus are my fave, though a very ripe hayachiya is pretty good too. I like the fuyus because you can eat them when they're still hard. I usually just eat them plain or with almond butter.
As soon as I tried my first persimmon, I just loved them. So far, I've only eaten them "straight"--but glad to have these 2 new ideas!
Very interesting! I've never tried persimmons, but I'm always open to cooking with new ingredients. Thanks for the info.!
I've been wondering if you were supposed to cook them or just eat them. Hmmm.... interesting.
Fall harvest muffins, that are moist? Hate that word but love that effect and cannot tolerate dry baked goods so I am all over it!
Persimmons...I dont eat them alot b/c usually they are outta season but when you get a good one,they are dang good!
woooo!!! persimmons pudding? you're soooo creative!
I never thought about cooking/baking with it! just eat it plain!
Persimmons might have to be my next "Seasonal Highlight"! I'm so curious to play. :) I've only had dried persimmons, and that was in Japan, so it's about time I got my hands dirty here.
With all of these persimmon recipes exploding across the web, I really need to try one! They look fantastic =D.
I've never eaten a persimmon before. I don't know if I've actually seen one in a grocery store here, either. I love your creative use, though! :-)
I've only eaten persimmons raw and haven't cooked with them. Persimmon pudding sounds wonderful, a must try!
I LOVE Hachiya persimmons! They're hard to find, though...sob, sob.
HAve you ever tried dried persimmons? They are the bomb!
I tried persimmons for the first time at the Ferry Street Market in SF. And I fell in love!
The idea to use them in baked goods is awesome. That pudding looks especially delicious. I would probably just eat it continuously, all day long. Until it was gone. And then I would probably make some more.
I've never tried persimmons. Those fall harvest muffins look great!
Have you heard about this...
http://publicradiokitchen.org/2009/11/05/the-next-prk-meet-up/
I've never had one! I don't even think I've seen them here.
I love you recipes! I've only eaten persimmons raw and never cooked/baked in something. But after seeing your photos, I should definitely try it. I just saw persimmons at TJ's - I didn't buy any but now I think I have to!
What an amazing bounty! Persimmons are rather rare around here, so I can't imagine possessing so many at once... Such a treat. :)
Shannon, I love you persimmon information! The cake looks especially yummy.
Oh yum! I've got a couple persimmons in my fridge to make cookies with tomorrow. I can't wait!
Great persimmon lesson, Shannon! I wouldn't mind being a taste-tester in your kitchen any day. If only Boston were closer to Texas... ;-)
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