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 Persimmons
© Denzil Green
There are two varieties (well, actually more -- about two thousand -- but two that sum up the shape and ripening differences).
Fuyu Persimmons
The Fuyu variety has squarish sides. It can be eaten firm or soft;
Hychia Persimmons
The Hychia (Hachiya) variety is more cone shaped. It is at its best when it is very ripe and soft; in fact, over-ripe before eating them (see Bletting), as before that will be very tart and have real pucker power.
Dried Persimmons (Dried Kaki)
Dried Persimmons are Persimmons that have been peeled and dried whole; they have a sweetness and a texture like dates. To make them, in Japan at least where they are very popular, the fruit is harvested leaving a small portion of the twig on each. They are then peeled, attached to ropes via their twiggy bits, dipped in boiling water, then hung to dry for at least 1 1/2 months. An edible white mould that looks like icing sugar will form on them when they are ready. They are referred to as "dried kaki" in Japanese cooking.
The peelings may be dried separately for use in Japanese cooking.
An Israeli variety of Persimmon, called Sharon Fruit, was developed from the Fuyu.
Many people feel that despite being smaller, the American Persimmon (Dispyros virginiana), is more flavourful than the Japanese varieties.
Equivalents
1 pound (450g) of persimmons = 4 - 5 persimmons
Storage
Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months; when thawed, use for sauces. Do not, however, just refrigerate or the fruit will blacken. Freeze or keep at room temperature.
Language Notes
In Italian: In Florence called "diospri"; south of Siena, called "pomi"; in Rome, in the Veneto and elsewhere, often called "caco" (plural, "cachi").
Also called:  Hachiya Persimmons Diaspyrous kaki (Scientific Name) Kaki (French) Kaki (German) Cachi, Diospri, Pomi (Italian) Caqui (Spanish)
See Also
Bletting, Sharon Fruit
Other entries for Persimmons
Persimmons, Sharon Fruit
Other entries for Hard Fruit
Apples, Apricots, Avocado, Chayote, Citrus Fruit, Guava Fruit, Kiwis, Mangos, Maypop Fruit, Medlars, Melons, Nectarines, Papaya, Passion Fruit, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Pomegranates, Quinces, Red Sorrel, Rose Hips, Sapote, Star Fruit, True Service Fruit
Other entries for Fruit
Bananas, Bletting, Candied Fruit, Dried Fruit, Drupes, Olives, Rhubarb, Soft Fruit
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