The exotic persimmon harvest usually kicks off between September and November, though the exact timing depends on the specific variety and your local climate. If you want the best flavor possible, you’ll want to leave the fruit on the tree for as long as you can—even after the leaves have all fallen off!
When to Harvest Your Persimmons
Harvesting fully tree-ripened persimmons in your own backyard is a real treat, especially in cooler climates where it’s a bit of a rarity. The trick is to let them hang on the branch as long as possible; they can actually handle a bit of light frost just fine.
You’ll know they’re ready to pick when the skin turns a vibrant, deep orange and the fruit gives slightly when you give it a gentle squeeze.
Buying Persimmons
If you aren’t growing your own, you’ll usually find persimmons at the grocery store or local organic market from October through April.
The most common varieties you’ll run into are:
- The Diospyros Kaki. These are incredibly sweet and come in several different cultivars.
- The Sharon Fruit. Originally bred in Israel, this variety is tannin-free, meaning you can actually eat it while it’s still firm before it’s fully ripe.
Shopping and Storage Tips
When you’re at the store, look for persimmons with shiny, undamaged skin. They should feel slightly soft to the touch.
Try to avoid fruits that are still yellow-green or rock hard. These are underripe and loaded with tannins. If you’ve ever bitten into one, you know that “puckering” sensation—it’s not very pleasant!
It’s always a safer bet to buy ripe persimmons to ensure that signature honey-sweet flavor. Just keep in mind that once they’re fully ripe, they don’t have a very long shelf life.
How to Store Your Persimmons
If you end up with underripe fruit, you can let them ripen on the counter at room temperature. They’ll usually soften up within about two weeks, though the flavor might not be quite as intense as tree-ripened fruit.
You can tell a ripe persimmon by its soft, jelly-like flesh. To keep them fresh, store them in the crisper drawer of your fridge. This can help stretch their shelf life by about a week.
Can You Freeze Persimmons?
Yes, you can! You can actually freeze persimmons whole—just pop them into a freezer-safe container individually.
Another great method is to make a puree. Simply peel the fruit with a knife, whiz it up in a blender, and freeze the pulp. It’s perfect for smoothies or baking later on!
