Fuyu Persimmon - Diospyros

The astringent Hachiya Persimmon and the Fuyu Persimmon, which is only slightly astringent when unripe, are both fruits of trees of the Diospyros genus. Diospyros means ‘food of the Gods’.

The Fuyu Persimmon, Diospyros kaki, resembles a flattened and somewhat squared off tomato with deep orange skin and light orange flesh. Whilst there are several other varieties of Persimmon, many are inedible. The largest commercial growers of Persimmon in S.E. Asia are China followed by Japan and Korea.

Fuyu Persimmon can be eaten fresh like an apple whilst still firm or sliced. The attractive pattern of sliced Persimmon looks attractive on a platter of mixed fruit. Fuyu Persimmon can also be used to make tarts, jams, cookies, ice creams and sorbets and also makes a refreshing fruit juice. Persimmon has a rather unique flavour when ripe, being sweet and spicy. Persimmon is considered by some to be the National fruit of Japan.