Savour the season – persimmon fruit
If you, or a friend, have a persimmon tree then now’s the time to celebrate. Few autumn fruits are as spectacular, with their jewel-bright orange globes hanging on bare branches like decorative lanterns.
Know your persimmon fruit varieties
There are two types to know – Non-astringent varieties like Fuyu can be eaten crisp and firm, straight from the tree like an apple and are perfect for lunchboxes. Astringent types like Hachiya must be left until they’re almost jelly-soft before eating, otherwise the mouth-puckering tannins will put you off for life. Get to know which type you have before you start harvesting.
Easy ways to enjoy persimmon fruit at home
Persimmon fruit is wonderful eaten fresh, sliced into salads with rocket and goat’s cheese, or baked into cakes, loaves and puddings. It also dries beautifully for a naturally sweet, chewy treat that keeps for weeks.
Care for your persimmon tree after harvest
After harvest, clean up any fallen fruit, then give the tree a balanced fertiliser, a deep drink and a layer of The Garden Faily Sugar Cane Mulch over the soil surface to support recovery and set it up for the next season.
One of the best things about persimmons is their versatility. You can enjoy them fresh or use them in baking, like this simple and delicious persimmon recipe found here.
