Persimmon

Kaki

What it is

The astringent varieties are inedible until they are almost liquid — the tannins that dry the mouth only break down at the point most people would throw the fruit away. Its Latin name means food of the gods, awarded optimistically.

In the kitchen

Learn which one you have. Fuyu is squat and eaten firm like an apple; Hachiya is pointed and must be spoon-soft.

Goes with

Cinnamon Cream Walnut Honey Vanilla Goat cheese Prosciutto di Parma Orange

Same species

Hoshigaki

In season alongside

Cherimoya Mara des Bois strawberry Jujube Lychee Mandarin Mango

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