Juicy and sweet persimmon pleases fruit lovers with its unique taste and health benefits.
Selecting the right ripe fruit is a real art that requires attention to detail and knowledge of the main signs of ripeness.
Main varieties of persimmon
Shops offer customers several varieties of persimmon. Royal persimmon is characterized by large fruits and a sweet taste.
Virginia persimmons are smaller in size but have a rich aroma. Chocolate persimmons are famous for their dark flesh and caramel notes in the taste.
External signs of ripeness
The color of the fruit is the first indicator of ripeness. Ripe persimmons have a rich orange or reddish hue without green spots.
The skin should be smooth, without damage or signs of spoilage. The stalk of a ripe fruit turns brown.
Determination of the degree of maturity
Ripe persimmons will soften when lightly pressed. Hard fruits indicate incomplete ripeness and may have a tart taste.
The sepals should separate easily from the fruit. The aroma of a ripe persimmon is rich, sweet, without foreign odors.
Seasonality and time of purchase
The best time to buy persimmons is during the autumn months. The season starts in October and lasts until December.
Early fruits are often unripe, late ones may show signs of long storage. The best time to buy is November.
Storage Features
Firm fruits ripen at room temperature within a few days. The process is accelerated by storing them near apples or bananas.
Ripe persimmons should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than a week. Frozen fruits retain their beneficial properties for up to six months.
Common mistakes when choosing
Many buyers choose fruits that are too hard, hoping for long-term storage. Such persimmons can remain tart even after ripening.
Another mistake is choosing overripe fruits that spoil quickly. It is important to find the golden mean.
Signs of poor quality persimmon
Fruits with dark spots, cracks or traces of mold should not be purchased. Signs of fermentation, sour smell, too soft consistency indicate spoilage.
Persimmons with frozen skin lose their flavor and spoil quickly.
The influence of size on taste
The size of the fruit does not always determine its taste. Medium-sized fruits often have a richer flavor.
Large fruits may be watery. Small fruits often have a concentrated sweet taste.
Useful properties of correctly selected persimmon
Ripe persimmon contains the maximum amount of useful substances. The fruit is rich in vitamins B, C, A, minerals and antioxidants.
Eating high-quality persimmon strengthens the immune system, improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system, and normalizes digestion.
