Persimmons are a delicious fall fruit that can add a unique sweetness to many dishes. These orange-hued gems come in two main types: soft Hachiya and firm Fuyu. Both offer great flavor and versatility in the kitchen.

You can use persimmons in a wide range of recipes, from salads and smoothies to baked goods and desserts. Their sweet taste pairs well with savory ingredients too.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a show-stopping dish, persimmons can help you create tasty meals all season long.

1. Persimmon Bread

Persimmon bread is a tasty way to use ripe persimmons. You can make it with both Hachiya and Fuyu varieties.

To prepare, scoop out the soft flesh of very ripe Hachiya persimmons. For Fuyu persimmons, puree them in a blender.

Mix the persimmon pulp with eggs, sugar, vanilla, and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Add flour, baking soda, and salt.

Fold in chopped walnuts or other nuts if you like.

Pour the batter into greased loaf pans. Bake at 350°F until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the bread cool before slicing.

This moist, flavorful bread makes a great breakfast or snack. You can also add a simple glaze for extra sweetness.

2. Persimmon Pudding

Persimmon pudding is a classic American dessert with a rich history. This sweet treat uses ripe persimmon pulp as its main ingredient.

To make persimmon pudding, you’ll mix persimmon pulp with flour, sugar, eggs, and milk. Add some spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.

Bake the mixture in the oven, often using a water bath for even cooking. The result is a moist, cake-like dessert with a unique taste.

Persimmon pudding is perfect for fall and winter holidays. It’s a great way to use up extra persimmons from your tree or farmers market haul.

3. Persimmon Cookies

Persimmon cookies are a tasty way to use this unique fruit in baking. These soft, chewy treats are perfect for fall and winter.

To make persimmon cookies, you’ll need persimmon puree. Mix it with baking soda until dissolved. Combine flour, spices, and salt in a separate bowl.

Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix in the persimmon puree and dry ingredients.

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto greased cookie sheets.

Bake at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes. Let cool before enjoying.

You can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. These cookies freeze well, so store them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to a month.

4. Persimmon Jam

Persimmon jam is a tasty way to preserve this sweet fruit. You can make it with just a few ingredients: persimmons, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

The non-astringent Fuyu variety works best for jam. You’ll need about 4 pounds of persimmons to make 4-5 half-pint jars.

To make the jam, simmer chopped persimmons with the other ingredients. Cook until it thickens to your desired consistency.

For safe long-term storage, process the filled jars in a boiling water bath. This step is crucial if you plan to keep the jam unrefrigerated.

Spread your homemade persimmon jam on toast or use it in baking for a unique flavor.

5. Persimmon Salad

Persimmon salads offer a sweet and refreshing twist to your meal. You can easily create a tasty salad using sliced Fuyu persimmons.

Mix the persimmon slices with fresh greens like arugula or mixed lettuce. Add some crumbled goat cheese for creaminess and pomegranate seeds for crunch.

For extra flavor, toss in some toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans.

Drizzle the salad with a simple maple vinaigrette to bring out the persimmon’s natural sweetness.

This colorful salad works great as a light lunch or side dish. It’s quick to make and packed with fall flavors you’ll love.

6. Persimmon Muffins

Persimmon muffins are a tasty way to use this sweet fruit. You can make them easily at home with a few simple ingredients.

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.

In another bowl, combine persimmon pulp with eggs and oil.

Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mix until just combined. Don’t overmix.

Spoon the batter into lined muffin tins.

Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before enjoying.

These muffins are great for breakfast or a snack. You can add nuts or spices like ginger for extra flavor. Try using half banana and half persimmon for a twist on the recipe.

7. Persimmon Smoothie

Persimmon smoothies are a tasty way to enjoy this sweet fall fruit. To make one, you’ll need ripe persimmons, banana, and milk of your choice.

Add the persimmon, banana, milk, and optional ingredients like yogurt or honey to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.

For extra flavor, try adding spices like cinnamon or ginger. You can also toss in some nuts or oats for more texture and nutrients.

This smoothie works well as a quick breakfast or snack. It’s refreshing, nutritious, and highlights the unique taste of persimmons.

8. Persimmon Salsa

Persimmon salsa is a tasty twist on traditional salsa recipes. You can make it using Fuyu persimmons, which are firm and crisp.

To create this salsa, dice persimmons and mix them with finely chopped red onion and jalapeño. Add some fresh cilantro or mint for extra flavor.

This bright and colorful salsa is perfect for serving with chips. You can also use it to top grilled chicken or fish tacos for a unique flavor combination.

Persimmon salsa is a great way to enjoy these fruits when they’re in season. It adds a sweet and tangy element to your meals and snacks.

Try making this salsa for your next gathering. Your guests will be impressed by the unique flavors and vibrant colors.

9. Persimmon Chutney

Persimmon chutney is a tasty way to use this fall fruit. You can make it easily at home with just a few ingredients.

Start by combining ripe persimmons with vinegar, onions, and spices in a saucepan. Add sugar for sweetness and raisins for extra texture.

Cook the mixture until it thickens. The result is a sweet and tangy spread perfect for cheese plates or sandwiches.

You can customize your chutney by adding different spices or fruits. Try mixing in cranberries for a tart twist. Ginger and coriander work well too.

This chutney keeps for weeks in the fridge. It also makes a great homemade gift for the holidays.

10. Persimmon Sorbet

Persimmon sorbet is a refreshing frozen dessert that captures the fruit’s sweet flavor. You can make it easily at home with ripe persimmons and a few simple ingredients.

To prepare, puree peeled and seeded persimmons in a food processor. Strain the puree to remove any fibrous bits.

Mix in sugar syrup and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

For a creamier texture, add a bit of coconut milk. You can also include warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, or cloves for extra depth.

Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker or freeze it in a shallow pan, stirring occasionally.

The result is a smooth, icy treat perfect for warm days.

11. Persimmon Pie

Persimmon pie is a sweet and unique dessert that showcases the fruit’s rich flavor. You can use either Hachiya or Fuyu persimmons to make this tasty treat.

To create the filling, puree ripe persimmons and mix them with eggs, milk, cream, and spices. Pour this mixture into a prepared pie crust.

Bake the pie at a high temperature for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat and continue baking until the center is almost set. The custard should still have a slight jiggle when done.

For added texture, try topping your persimmon pie with a pecan streusel before baking. This gives the dessert a delicious crunch and extra flavor.

12. Persimmon Cake

Persimmon cake is a tasty fall dessert that uses ripe persimmons. You’ll love its moist texture and warm spices. The cake blends persimmon pulp into the batter for a unique flavor.

Most recipes call for cinnamon to complement the persimmon taste. Some add nuts like walnuts for crunch.

You can make this cake in a 9×13-inch pan, perfect for sharing.

The cake is easy to make, often using just one bowl. It’s similar to other spice cakes but with a fruity twist.

You’ll find it’s a great way to use up extra persimmons. Try serving persimmon cake as a sweet end to a meal or with afternoon tea. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your fall baking lineup.

13. Persimmon Butter

Persimmon butter is a tasty spread made from ripe persimmons. You can make it easily in your slow cooker or on the stovetop.

To make persimmon butter, start by pureeing ripe persimmons. Add sugar, lemon juice, and spices like cinnamon and cloves.

Cook the mixture on low heat, stirring occasionally. It will thicken as it cooks down. This process can take several hours.

Once it reaches your desired consistency, let it cool. You can then store your homemade persimmon butter in jars in the fridge.

Spread it on toast, use it in baking, or gift it to friends. Persimmon butter is a unique way to enjoy this fall fruit.

14. Persimmon Pancakes

Persimmon pancakes are a tasty twist on a breakfast classic. They use ripe persimmon pulp blended into the batter for natural sweetness and flavor.

You can make these pancakes with either Hachiya or Fuyu persimmons. Just make sure they’re very ripe and soft.

Blend the fruit until smooth before mixing it into your pancake batter.

The batter often includes ingredients like flour, eggs, milk, and spices. Some recipes add extras like almonds for crunch.

Cook the pancakes on a griddle or nonstick pan over medium heat.

Watch for bubbles to form on top before flipping. The pancakes are done when golden brown on both sides.

Serve with maple syrup or your favorite toppings for a unique breakfast treat.

15. Persimmon Glaze

Persimmon glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor to many dishes. You can make it easily with a few simple ingredients.

Mix mashed ripe persimmon pulp with sugar, pineapple juice, and vinegar in a saucepan. Add some ginger puree for extra zing.

Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens.

Use this glaze on chicken, pork, or even desserts. It works great on cookies or cakes too.

The bright orange color looks appealing and the taste is unique.

Try brushing the glaze on meats during the last few minutes of cooking. Or drizzle it over roasted vegetables for a sweet finish.

16. Persimmon Ice Cream

Persimmon ice cream is a unique treat that captures the fruit’s sweet flavor. To make it, blend ripe persimmon pulp with cream and sugar.

Add spices like cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom for extra depth. Mix everything together and churn in an ice cream maker.

You can use Hachiya or Fuyu persimmons. Hachiya persimmons need to be very soft before using. Fuyu persimmons can be used when still firm.

For best results, freeze persimmon pulp ahead of time. This lets you enjoy this seasonal dessert year-round.

Serve the ice cream in bowls or cones with toppings like crushed nuts or a drizzle of honey.

Nutritional Benefits of Persimmons

Persimmons pack a powerful nutritional punch. These sweet fruits offer many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can boost your health in various ways.

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

Persimmons contain high levels of vitamin A and vitamin C. A single persimmon provides about 55% of your daily vitamin A needs. This nutrient supports eye health and immune function.

Persimmons also offer a good dose of vitamin C, with one fruit supplying around 20% of your daily requirement. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron and promotes skin health.

These fruits contain important minerals too. They’re a good source of potassium, which aids heart function. Persimmons also provide manganese, copper, and phosphorus.

Antioxidant Properties

Persimmons are rich in antioxidants that fight harmful free radicals in your body. They contain carotenoids like beta-carotene and lycopene. These compounds may lower your risk of certain diseases.

The fruits also offer flavonoids, including quercetin and kaempferol. These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory effects. Some studies suggest they may help protect against heart disease and cancer.

Persimmons contain tannins, which give unripe fruits their astringent taste. As the fruit ripens, these tannins break down. Ripe persimmons offer a sweet flavor and potential health perks from their tannin content.

Cooking Techniques for Persimmons

Persimmons can be prepared in many tasty ways. You can bake them into sweet treats or add them raw to fresh salads.

These methods bring out the fruit’s unique flavors and textures.

Baking with Persimmons

Baking transforms persimmons into delicious desserts. For persimmon bread, puree ripe Hachiya persimmons and mix with flour, sugar, eggs, and spices.

Pour the batter into a loaf pan and bake until golden brown.

Try making persimmon cookies too. Cream butter and sugar, then add persimmon pulp, eggs, and dry ingredients.

Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake until set.

For a warm treat, bake a persimmon crisp. Layer sliced Fuyu persimmons with a crumbly oat topping in a baking dish.

Bake until the fruit is soft and the top is crispy.

Using Persimmons in Salads

Fresh persimmons add color and sweetness to salads.

Slice firm Fuyu persimmons into thin wedges. Toss them with mixed greens, goat cheese, and toasted nuts.

For a fall salad, combine persimmon slices with roasted squash and pomegranate seeds. Drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette made from olive oil and lemon juice.

You can also grill persimmon halves for a warm salad.

Brush with honey and grill until lightly charred. Serve over arugula with blue cheese crumbles and a balsamic glaze.