Used by American Indians, African Americans and early European settlers, wild persimmons (Diospyros virginiana) are a distinctively American fruit. American Indians mixed persimmon pulp, corn meal, and ground acorns to make breads and thick soups. African Americans used persimmons to make sweet pudding, candy, and cakes. Early settlers and pioneers valued the wild persimmon because its fruits are easily available and literally fall into your hands if you shake a ripe tree. They used the seeds of the fruits to roast and make a beverage similar to coffee. Similarly, in Appalachia the dried seeds are brewed to make beer. The Anglicized word “persimmon” derives from Algonquin dialects used by Delaware and Cree nations, putchamin, pasiminan, or pessamin, which all mean dried fruit – since the nutritious dried persimmon was a valuable winter food source.
Although currently the greatest abundance of trees are found along the Mississippi River Valley, the native Persimmon’s range extends from Connecticut to Florida, and as far west as Kansas and Texas. The fruits are a burnt orange color and often develop a bluish haze after the first frost. Dried persimmons have a sweet, chewy consistency similar to dates, and overripe fruit can be made into fruit leather. Wild Persimmons have a unique, succulent flesh that can be used for both savory and sweet dishes. The most persimmon recipe is pudding, which exists in hundreds of variations and is sometimes served on seasonal menus in the Midwest. Persimmons make sumptuous desserts, including breads, cookies, pies, cakes, ice cream, candies, and sauces.
Individual persimmon trees are often found in urban areas on college campuses, library grounds, and in public parks. Persimmon groves are in danger since their wood is highly prized for textile shuttles, pool cues, and golf clubs. Fortunately, nurseries that focus on heirloom gardening and the new edible landscaping movement for urban sustainability increasingly stock native persimmon trees, which are also desirable as a landscape shelter and food source for backyard birds.
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FAQs
When the flesh is brown, they are at their peak eating quality. When persimmon fans are asked which variety is the best-tasting, you may hear maru, suruga, saijo and even the Native American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) that grows in the Southeast as far west as Oklahoma.
How long does it take for American persimmons to bear fruit? ›
Depending on the persimmon variety, flowers can take up to five years to emerge. It takes even longer for trees to bear fruit, often up to 10 years for American Persimmon trees.
Is American persimmon drought tolerant? ›
Common Persimmon prefers moist, well-drained, bottomland or sandy soils but is also very drought- and urban-tolerant. Truly an amazing tree in its adaptability to about any site conditions, including alkaline soil.
How many American persimmon trees do you need? ›
A: Persimmon trees provide the home garden with vivid color in the fall and tasty fruit in the winter. Varieties of the American persimmon, Diospyros virginiana, typically require two trees to produce. If you only have space for one tree there are several alternatives you can consider.
What is the best persimmon to eat raw? ›
There are two kinds of persimmons. Fuyu persimmons are sweet, shaped like a pumpkin, and can be eaten fresh. Hachiya persimmons are tart, shaped like an acorn and are usually cooked.
Which is better Fuyu or hachiya persimmons? ›
Fuyu and Hachiya: Knowing the Difference
Hachiya (left) and Fuyu (right) are both locally grown persimmons that have beautiful cinnamon notes, perfect for fall. However, the Hachiya's texture is best when extremely ripe, almost jelly-like in texture, while the Fuyu can be eaten while hard, like an apple.
Do persimmons like wet soil? ›
Exposure: Full sun with some protection from hottest sun in summer such as high shade. Soil: Any good, well-drained soil, can tolerate some wet soil but can also do well in lighter soils. Resistant to Oak Root Fungus.
What soil conditions do American persimmons like? ›
Persimmon trees grow best in loamy, organically-rich soils. Light, sandy soils are not suitable, but they will grow on many other soil types and are tolerant of heavy clay soils if drainage is good. In soil with low fertility or compact clay it'll be worth your time to mix in some organic compost to the native soil.
How tall is a 5 year old persimmon tree? ›
4-5 Year Old (Approx. 3.5-5 Ft) Fuyu Persimmon Tree. Fuyu Persimmons are the most popular Japanese persimmons in the entire world!
What month do you plant persimmon trees? ›
Planting & Fertilizing
Look for bare root trees in the winter, January – February time frame ideally, and plant your trees well before bud break.
If you're just now looking to plant a persimmon tree, choose a spot in either full sun or partial shade (especially if you're in a hotter area) and make sure to dig a really deep hole as the tree will be growing a super long taproot.
Which persimmons taste best? ›
Persimmons taste best when allowed to fully ripen, with Hachiya persimmons taking longer than Fuyu persimmons to get to optimal flavor. You'll want the Hachiya persimmons to be incredibly squishy to the touch, while Fuyu persimmons are fine when just quite soft.
What is the best persimmon tree for eating? ›
Fuyu / Jiro Persimmon Tree: This the most popular variety on this list, and for good reason. Fuyu produces a medium-sized deep red-orange piece of fruit with a lighter pale-orange flesh. Fruit is sweet and non-astringent which is quite uncommon for persimmons. Fuyu Jiro is also self-fruitful!
Which persimmon is the sweetest? ›
Sharon fruit have always been popular for their sweetness (astringent persimmons are generally sweeter than their non-astringent siblings), but in the '60s, when they started coming to market, consumers had to wait until they were fully softened to eat them.
Are American persimmons good to eat? ›
This name is very indicative of the qualities of the American persimmon. In fact, they are shockingly and wonderfully sweet, plus they're about the size of a plum. As a result, eating just a few fruits can cause a sugar rush and a tingle to any sweet tooth.
