Persimmons
Variety
Persimmons boast a vibrant orange hue that brightens up any fruit bowl or dish.
Sweet
With their sweet and juicy flesh, persimmons make a delightful addition to desserts or snacks.
Autumnal
The arrival of persimmons heralds the arrival of autumn, bringing warmth and richness to seasonal recipes.
Versatile
Persimmons are versatile fruits that can be enjoyed fresh, dried, cooked, or incorporated into a variety of dishes, from salads to baked goods.
FAQ
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What does American persimmon taste like?
- The flavor is a delightful mix of rich sweetness and subtle complexity, depending on its ripeness. Its primary flavor is intensely sweet, with a syrupy, almost honey-like quality with notes of apricot, mango or plum. It also contains a slight earthy or nutty flavor that helps to balance out the sweetness, giving the flavor an added depth. The flesh is smooth and soft.
- NOTE: Eating persimmon underripe can be a rather unpleasant experience as high levels of tannins in unripe fruit can cause a sharp, drying sensation in the mouth. The best way to counter the astringency of an unripe persimmon is to eat a ripe one.
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How do you eat an American persimmon?
- American persimmons are typically eaten out-of-hand when ripe. The best way to ensure they will have little to no astringency is to wait for the fruits to fall to the ground. The fruits will have 6-8 small, smooth, brown seeds that are not eaten (though they were once used as a coffee replacement during the Civil War). American persimmon has a long history of uses which include being made into pie, bread, jam, compote, syrup, vinegar, dried fruit leather, pudding, ice cream and beer.
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Where can I find American persimmon?
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The native range of the American persimmon spans much of the eastern United States. It primarily grows in regions that extend from the southeastern U.S. up through the Midwest and thrives in a variety of habitats, including floodplains, forests, and woodland edges, preferring well-drained soils and a warm, temperate climate. Much like the pawpaw, it is highly uncommon to find the fresh fruit for sale in supermarket or farmer’s markets due to its highly perishable nature; The most likely way to eat the fruit is by harvesting it from your own tree.
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Growing Tips for Success
Choose the Right Location:
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- When choosing a tree to plant, one of the most important questions to ask yourself first is, “Is this specific tree suited to my specific climate?” If you can answer, “yes”, the next step is to consider your specific site conditions. American persimmon trees (Diospyros virginiana) are hardy, versatile trees that can grow well in various environments including sandy, clay or even slightly acidic soils, though they prefer a loamy, well-draining soil type. They can not tolerate water-logged or heavy clay soils. Persimmons will grow in partial shade but will not fruit as well (“the more sun, the more fruit”) and will also grow slower. Persimmons have extensive root systems and so need space to grow underground. Since persimmons attract wildlife, plant them away from areas where you don’t want animals to be attracted, as birds and mammals are drawn to the fruit.
Plant in Groups:
In theory, native, wild female American persimmons need cross-pollination from a male persimmon to produce fruit. However, most of the named cultivars that are available for purchase in the nursery trade are of a type (90-chromosome) that set fruit parthenocarpically, meaning they do not need pollination. (If BBN ever carries a cultivar that requires cross-pollination, we will clearly inform you of that.) If planting more than one, give 15-20 feet between trees.
Provide Adequate Water and Mulch:
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- When young, (1-2 years), the trees need watered deeply and consistently. As with most other fruit trees, water when the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry. Once established (3+ years), American persimmons are drought-tolerant and require less frequent watering, needing supplemental water only during times of drought or extreme heat. At all stages of growth, make sure the soil remains moist but is never waterlogged. Use a layer of organic mulch (2–3 inches thick) around the base of the tree to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce the need for frequent watering. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
- Signs of Overwatering and Underwatering
- Overwatering:
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Yellowing Leaves
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Wilting Leaves
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Leaf Drop
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Root Rot
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Mushy or Foul-Smelling Soil
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Stunted Growth
- Underwatering:
- Wilting Leaves
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Leaf Browning
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Early Leaf Drop
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Fruit Drop
- Cracked or Dry Soil
- Stunted Growth
Persimmons Grow Great Here!
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