The persimmon is the edible yield of a phone number of species of tree in the genus Diospyros . The most commonly have sex species are Diospyros kaki ( Japanese or Oriental persimmon tree ) , Diospyros virginiana ( American persimmon ) , and Diospyros lotus ( appointment - plum tree ) . The term “ persimmon ” number from the Algonquin aboriginal American tribe , while its genus name , Diospyros , means “ yield of the god Zeus ” in Greek . This is why the fruit is sometimes also called Jove ’s Fruit , as Jove is another name for Zeus .
Persimmons ordinarily have an orange chromaticity that can intensify into a rich violent - orangeness as they ripen . Their shape can be spheric , acorn - comparable or even jolly flatten , just like a tomato plant but with a smooth , sheeny skin . Inside , the flesh is diffuse , jelly - similar , and can be pale to a deep orange tree . The taste is unambiguously gratifying , beloved - like with soupcon of spiciness or modest cinnamon , peculiarly when in full ripe . However , unripe persimmons comprise tannic acid that give a juiceless , astringent taste , which disappear as the yield matures .
Persimmon trees can get to heights of about 20 to 60 feet . They have a harmonious canopy with rich shade and leaves that are sheeny green . The leave turn to specter of scandalmongering , orange , or red in the downfall . The barque is deeply furrowed and glum grey or chocolate-brown . In spring , persimmon tree develop low , bell - shaped bloom that are usually cream - colored or light honey oil ; these are passably invisible . Male and distaff flush can be on freestanding tree or sometimes on the same tree diagram , depending on the variety . distaff flowers , if pollinated , give fashion to the fruit , while virile flowers develop pollen . Persimmon trees bring on fruit in the former summer to fall .
polish of the persimmon began in China over 2,000 years ago , making its way to Japan in the seventh century and Korea in the fourteenth century , where it was embraced for its mellifluous , lush fruit . The yield was introduced to Europe and California in the 1800s , with significant cultivation efforts in the United States beginning with USDA introductions in the late 19th century .
Persimmons are rich in vitamins A and C , which can enhance tegument wellness , fortify the immune organisation , and boost collagen product . They contain manganese , which is essential for pedigree clotting , and are debase with antioxidants . Traditionally , persimmon tree have been used as a medicative curative for various ailments include hemorrhages , GI disorder , and infections .
Types of Persimmons
American persimmon
American persimmon ( Diospyros virginiana ) are native to the easterly United States , ranging from Florida to Connecticut and as far Occident as Texas and Kansas .
They are shape like miniature tomatoes . As they mature , their colour transitions from light yellow-bellied - orange to colored red - orangish , and they frolic a four - leafed green stem .
The taste of a right American persimmon is rich , love - like , with hints of spice , jolly reminiscent of a blend between apricot , plum , and a touch of Cinnamomum zeylanicum .
Hachiya Persimmon
The Hachiya persimmon tree is native to Japan but is widely cultivated in various parts of the world with suitable climate , including the United States , particularly in California .
The fruits have curved and broad shoulder , sharpen to a small detail on the non - stem remnant , and are similar in appearance to an acorn . Typically , they ’re average to big , often weighing several ounce .
The skin color ranges from a wan orangeness when unripe to a recondite , rich orange tree when fully advanced . The skin is legato , and the flesh is initially steadfast but becomes very soft and jelly - like when ripe .
Once ripe , the astringency disappears , and the fruit becomes fantastically unfermented , with a honey - corresponding body . The spirit is often described as rich , sweet-scented , and sometimes more or less floral or piquant .
Fuyu Persimmon
The Fuyu diversity is believe to have been developed in Japan , where persimmons have been educate for centuries . The name “ Fuyu ” itself is Japanese , with “ fuyu ” intend “ winter , ” which muse the time of year when these persimmons are typically harvested .
Fuyu persimmons are love apple - mold , with a categoric bottom and a vibrant orange people of color when ripe . Unlike some other persimmon varieties , they rest strong when ripe , similar to an orchard apple tree .
They have a sweet , soft tone with hints of honey or a very sluttish cinnamon - like taste . The texture is crispy when they are just ripe , but they can become slightly softer as they ripen further , though never as soft as the Hachiya variety , which is astringent unless amply right .
Sharon Fruit
The term “ Sharon Fruit ” refers to a specific eccentric of persimmon that ’s been trademarked for marketing purposes , but essentially , it ’s a diversity of the non - astringent persimmon tree similar to or derive from the Fuyu . The Sharon Fruit is named after the Sharon plain in Israel , where this variety was develop or at least extensively cultivated .
It ’s typically orange , with a bod that can range from flavorless - one shot to somewhat elongated , but generally Lycopersicon esculentum - like in contour . Like the Fuyu , Sharon Fruit is dulcet and can be eaten while still loyal , which signify it does n’t have the astringency found in other persimmons like Hachiya when unripe . It has a crisp texture when brisk , similar to an apple .
HyakumePersimmon
Native to Japan , the Hyakume persimmon has been cultivate for its distinct timbre , often being referred to as the “ Cinnamon Persimmon ” due to its nip profile .
They have an ellipse to bell shape , taper from the categorical , broad shoulders towards the wind base . The skin is smooth with a faint luster of orange , golden - orange , and glum orangish - red hues . The fruit is also capped with 3 to 4 flat gullible - brown dried leaves , having a papery and leathery eubstance .
The flesh is initially firm , dense , and crisp when glean , softening into a tender , sedimentary , and jelly - like flavour . The flesh is generally pale orange , sometimes speckled with tiny brown marks . They have a rich and meek flavor redolent of dried apples and pears with a hint of spiced sugar .
