How to Eat Persimmon

There are basically two varieties of persimmons, the astringent and the non-astringent ones. The astringent fruits should be chilled before they ripen. The non-astringent varieties of persimmon fruits should be eaten when they are still firm.

Depending upon the variety of the fruit, the way to eat it differs. The first important thing you need to learn, before you try to eat persimmon fruit is how to choose the best of them. Given below are some tips.

Persimmon fruits, are generally available in two varieties, the Hachiya and Fuyu variety. The ripe Fuyu persimmons are crisp and will look sort of like flattened tomatoes. The ripe Hachiya persimmons will be soft to touch and juicy, and will be shaped like acorns

• Pick those persimmons which have deep red undertones.
• Go for those persimmons, which look round and are plump in appearance.

• Pick those persimmons which have a glossy and smooth surface.
• Make sure you don't buy any persimmons fruits which are spoiled, like those that have bruises or cracked skin, and also avoid buying those fruits without green leaves at the top.
• Buy the ripe persimmons, only if you wish to eat them immediately, or buy the firmer fruits and store them till they ripen.

Depending upon the type of persimmon, the eating of the fruit will differ. Here are the tips on how to cut and peel persimmons varieties properly so as to eat them.

How to Eat a Fuyu Persimmon Fruit
Wash the fruit clean, and then using a knife, remove its leaves. Remove the core of the fruit, and slice it in pieces to eat. You can also eat it whole, like an apple. The Fuyu persimmons taste crispy and slightly sweet. It is a bit crunchy like an apple, but it looks like a tomato.

How to Eat a Hachiya Persimmon?
Wash the fruit well under the tap water. Then remove the leaves, and slice it carefully in the middle. Take out the seed, and scoop the pulp of the fruit from its skin, using a spoon to eat it. Make sure you have eat the Hachiya persimmons when they are very soft, or they will leave you with a bitter taste.

More Tips
The persimmons can be eaten raw or cooked. Many delicacies like jams, salads, marmalade, pudding, bread recipe, etc. can be made using this fruit. You can also use the fruit pieces on tarts and cakes, to serve them as edible decorations. You can also add the slices or cubes of persimmon fruit on a green salad, and drizzle some dressing of olive oil or French dressing on it.

Persimmons are rich in fiber, but they are also a great source of vitamin A. It also contains calcium, phosphorus, and iron minerals. The astringent taste of this fruit can help to get rid of diarrhea, slow or stop bleeding and reduce the amount of seating. Due to its high content of vitamin A, it may be helpful in preventing cancer.

A study shows that persimmons contain phytochemicals which are called proanthocyanidins, which protect again harmful free radicals and prevent aging. In a Chinese remedy, persimmons are used with ginger to cure hiccups.

Make sure you buy the variety of persimmon properly, according to your taste. So, enjoy eating these fruits and gain all the health benefits of these fruits.