Persimmons – Hachiya

Hachiya persimmons originated in China and are found in abundance in Japan and Korea as well.  These persimmons are shaped like a plump teardrop resembling an acorn.  In general, these persimmons have orange skin with a leaf and stem at the top.  As persimmons ripen the skin becomes a darker orange almost a reddish color.  Hachiya persimmons are extremely astringent and should only be eaten when they are completely ripe and soft.   

Just so you know...If you attempt to eat one that is not completely ripe, you might experience the unpleasant sensation like all of the moisture has been removed from your mouth!  Put them in a pot, leaf side down, along with a couple of apples and cover the pot with a lid.  Because Apples release ethylene gas, which encourages ripening, in a about a week, your persimmons will be perfect for eating!  Along with those apples…