Persimmons are a tasty fall fruit that can add a unique flavor to many dishes. These orange orbs have a sweet, honey-like taste that works well in both sweet and savory recipes.
From baked goods to savory main courses, there are many ways to enjoy this seasonal fruit.
You can try over 15 different persimmon recipes to make the most of this versatile fruit. Whether you’re looking for a simple bread recipe or a more complex chutney, there’s something for everyone.
Persimmons can be used in cakes, pies, jams, and even cocktails. With so many options, you’re sure to find a new favorite way to enjoy this delicious fruit.
1. Persimmon Bread
Persimmon bread is a tasty fall treat that uses ripe persimmons. You can make it with either Fuyu or Hachiya persimmons.
To start, mix flour, sugar, spices, and baking soda in a bowl. Then add melted butter, eggs, and persimmon pulp.
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. The result is a moist, flavorful bread perfect for breakfast or snacking.
You can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor. Persimmon bread freezes well, so you can make extra loaves to enjoy later.
2. Persimmon Jam
Persimmon jam is a tasty way to use up extra persimmons. You’ll need ripe persimmons, sugar, lemon juice, and pectin.
Chop the persimmons and mix them with the other ingredients in a pot. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring often.
Bring it to a boil and simmer until it thickens, about 25 minutes. Test the consistency by putting a small amount on a cold plate.
When it’s ready, pour the hot jam into clean jars. This sweet spread is great on toast or mixed into yogurt. You can add spices like ginger for extra flavor.
3. Persimmon Salad with Arugula
Persimmon salad with arugula is a tasty and vibrant dish that’s perfect for fall and winter. You can make this salad in just 15 minutes using simple ingredients.
Start by thinly slicing persimmons and cutting them into quarters. Add them to a bowl with arugula, pomegranate seeds, and red onions.
For extra flavor and texture, include crumbled goat cheese or feta and chopped walnuts or pistachios. Dress the salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette.
This refreshing salad combines sweet persimmons with peppery arugula for a balanced taste. It works well as a side dish or light meal on its own.
4. Persimmon Pudding
Persimmon pudding is a moist, cake-like dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings. You can make it using ripe persimmons, which give the pudding its unique flavor and texture.
To prepare, mix flour, sugar, spices, and baking soda in a bowl. In another bowl, combine persimmon pulp, eggs, milk, and melted butter. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together.
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. The result is a rich, sweet pudding with a soft texture.
Serve your persimmon pudding warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. It’s a cozy treat that captures the essence of autumn.
5. Persimmon Chutney
Persimmon chutney is a tasty condiment that adds a sweet and spicy kick to your meals. You can make it easily at home with ripe persimmons, spices, and a few other ingredients.
This chutney pairs well with curry dishes or as a spread on sandwiches. It’s a great way to use up extra persimmons and try something new.
To make persimmon chutney, you’ll need about 15 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of cooking. The recipe typically yields around 4 cups, perfect for storing in small jars.
You can customize your chutney by adjusting the spices or adding other fruits like cranberries for extra flavor. It’s a versatile recipe that lets you get creative in the kitchen.
6. Persimmon Smoothie
A persimmon smoothie is a tasty way to enjoy this sweet fall fruit. To make one, you’ll need ripe persimmons, a banana, and your choice of milk.
Add the persimmon, banana, milk, and some Greek yogurt to a blender. For extra flavor, try a dash of cinnamon or vanilla. Blend until smooth.
This drink is creamy, refreshing, and packed with nutrients. It makes a great breakfast or post-workout snack. You can also add honey if you want it sweeter.
For a thicker smoothie, use frozen banana slices. Experiment with different add-ins like dates or almond butter to find your perfect mix.
7. Persimmon Cookies
Persimmon cookies are a tasty way to use ripe persimmons. These soft, chewy treats combine the fruit’s unique flavor with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
To make persimmon cookies, you’ll need persimmon pulp. Hachiya persimmons work best when fully ripe and soft. Mix the pulp with butter, sugar, and eggs, then add dry ingredients.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets and bake until lightly golden. The cookies will be cake-like in texture.
You can add nuts or raisins for extra flavor and texture. Chocolate chips are another tasty option. Persimmon cookies freeze well, so you can enjoy them year-round.
8. Grilled Persimmons with Honey
Grilled persimmons with honey make a tasty and easy dessert or side dish. Start by slicing ripe Fuyu persimmons into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
Brush both sides of the slices with honey. Heat your grill to medium and place the persimmon slices directly on the grates.
Grill for about 1-2 minutes per side until grill marks appear. The heat caramelizes the honey and brings out the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Serve the warm grilled persimmons on their own or as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. You can also add them to salads or cheese plates for a unique twist.
9. Persimmon Salsa
Persimmon salsa is a fresh twist on traditional salsa recipes. You can make it with diced Fuyu persimmons, red onion, and jalapeño. Add chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
This sweet and spicy salsa pairs well with fish or as a dip for tortilla chips. It’s perfect for fall gatherings when persimmons are in season.
To make it, simply mix the ingredients in a bowl. Let it chill for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less jalapeño to suit your taste.
10. Persimmon Tart
Persimmon tart is a delightful dessert that showcases the unique flavor of this autumnal fruit. To make it, you’ll need a buttery crust and ripe Fuyu persimmons.
Start by preparing a tart shell with flour, butter, and a pinch of salt. While it chills, slice the persimmons thinly.
For the filling, mix cream, eggs, sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and star anise. Pour this mixture into the crust and arrange the persimmon slices on top.
Bake the tart until the filling sets and the persimmons become tender. Let it cool before serving. You can add chopped pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
This elegant dessert pairs well with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
11. Spiced Persimmon Muffins
Spiced persimmon muffins are a tasty way to use ripe persimmons. You can make these muffins with simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen.
The recipe combines persimmon puree with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
To make the muffins, mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them. Pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes.
For extra flavor, try adding chopped nuts or a streusel topping. You can also swap half the persimmon puree for mashed banana for a different twist. If you need gluten-free muffins, use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum instead of all-purpose flour.
12. Persimmon Ice Cream
Persimmon ice cream is a unique and delicious dessert that captures the sweet, rich flavor of this autumn fruit. To make it, you’ll need ripe persimmons, heavy cream, and basic ice cream ingredients.
Start by pureeing peeled and seeded persimmons. Mix this puree with a custard base made from milk, cream, sugar, and egg yolks. Add spices like cinnamon or cardamom for extra flavor.
Chill the mixture thoroughly before churning in an ice cream maker. As it freezes, the persimmon flavor will intensify. You can add chopped persimmons or nuts for texture.
Serve your homemade persimmon ice cream on its own or pair it with warm desserts for a delightful contrast. It’s a great way to enjoy persimmons in a cool, creamy form.
13. Persimmon Pancakes
Persimmon pancakes are a tasty way to use ripe persimmons from your backyard tree or local market. They offer a unique twist on traditional pancakes.
To make these pancakes, you’ll need persimmon pulp blended until smooth. Use very ripe persimmons for the best results. You can use either Hachiya or Fuyu varieties.
Mix the persimmon pulp with flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Add eggs, milk, and melted butter to create a smooth batter.
Cook the pancakes on a hot griddle until golden brown. Serve them warm with maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious breakfast treat.
14. Persimmon Sorbet
Persimmon sorbet is a refreshing treat that showcases the fruit’s unique flavor. You can make it easily at home with just a few ingredients.
Start by peeling and chopping ripe persimmons. Blend them into a smooth puree. Mix this with sugar syrup and a splash of lemon juice for balance.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. If you don’t have a machine, you can freeze the mixture in a shallow pan, stirring every hour.
This sorbet is perfect for warm days or as a light dessert after a heavy meal. Its bright orange color and sweet-tart taste will delight your taste buds.
15. Persimmon Glazed Chicken
Persimmon glazed chicken is a tasty way to use this sweet fruit. You can make it with chicken thighs or breasts.
To prepare the glaze, simmer persimmons with maple syrup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and ginger. Puree the mixture once it thickens.
Season your chicken with salt and pepper. Cook it in a skillet until golden brown on both sides.
Brush the persimmon glaze onto the chicken. Finish cooking it in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes.
The result is juicy chicken with a flavorful, fruity glaze. Serve it with roasted vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
Understanding Persimmons
Persimmons are sweet, flavorful fruits that come in different varieties. They offer many health benefits and can be used in various recipes.
Types of Persimmons
There are two main types of persimmons: Fuyu and Hachiya.
Fuyu persimmons are round and flat, like a tomato. You can eat them while they’re still firm. They have a crisp texture and mild, sweet flavor.
Hachiya persimmons are larger and shaped like acorns. You need to wait until they’re very soft before eating. If eaten too early, they can be very astringent. When ripe, Hachiyas have a jelly-like texture and intense sweetness.
Both types can be used in cooking, but Fuyus are better for raw dishes. Hachiyas work well in baked goods and puddings.
Nutritional Benefits
Persimmons pack a nutritional punch. They’re rich in vitamins A and C, which support your immune system and skin health.
These fruits also contain good amounts of fiber, helping with digestion.
Persimmons offer antioxidants like beta-carotene and lycopene. These compounds may help protect your cells from damage.
The fruits are also a good source of manganese, a mineral important for bone health.
One medium persimmon has about 118 calories. It provides 6 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein. Persimmons are naturally low in fat and sodium, making them a heart-healthy choice.
Cooking with Persimmons
Persimmons add unique flavor to many dishes. You can use them in both sweet and savory recipes.
Let’s look at how to pick and prepare these tasty fruits.
Selecting the Right Persimmon
Pick persimmons that feel heavy for their size. The skin should be smooth and free of blemishes.
Ripe Fuyu persimmons are firm with a bright orange color. They’re ready to eat when slightly soft.
Hachiya persimmons need to be very soft before eating. Their pointed shape makes them easy to spot.
Wait until they feel like water balloons. If eaten too early, they’ll be very bitter.
Avoid persimmons with bruises or dark spots. These may be overripe or damaged.
How to Prepare Persimmons
Wash persimmons under cool water before using. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
For Fuyu persimmons, simply cut off the leaf-like calyx at the top. You can eat Fuyu persimmons like an apple. Slice them into wedges or rounds. No need to peel – the skin is edible.
For Hachiya persimmons, scoop out the soft flesh with a spoon. Or cut them in half and use the skin as a bowl. Remove any seeds you find.
Puree Hachiya persimmons to use in baking or smoothies. Strain out any stringy bits for a smoother texture.