Persimmons are a delicious fall fruit that can add a unique sweetness to many recipes. These orange-colored gems are packed with flavor and nutrients, making them perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.

You can use persimmons in everything from baked goods to salads and sauces.

Try adding persimmons to your cooking for a tasty twist on classic recipes. They work well in breads, pies, jams, and even ice cream.

You can also use them in savory dishes like salads or as a garnish for cheese boards. With so many options, persimmons are a versatile ingredient that can elevate your fall cooking.

1. Persimmon Pudding

Persimmon pudding is a classic dessert that’s perfect for fall. To make it, you’ll need ripe persimmons, flour, sugar, and spices like cinnamon.

Start by pureeing the persimmons. Mix this with eggs, milk, and melted butter.

In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients.

Gently fold the wet and dry mixtures together. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.

Bake at 325°F for about an hour. The pudding is done when it’s set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. This old-fashioned dessert is sure to become a new favorite in your home.

2. Spiced Persimmon Cookies

Spiced persimmon cookies are a delightful fall treat. They combine the sweet flavor of ripe persimmons with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

To make these cookies, start by mixing persimmon pulp with baking soda. This helps activate the leavening agent for fluffier cookies.

In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add an egg and the persimmon mixture, then mix in the dry ingredients.

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets and bake at 350°F (175°C) until the edges are lightly browned.

The result is soft, chewy cookies with a unique flavor that captures the essence of autumn.

3. Persimmon Bread

Persimmon bread is a tasty way to use ripe persimmons. You’ll need flour, sugar, eggs, oil, and persimmon pulp. Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them.

Add nuts or raisins for extra flavor and texture. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.

Bake at 325°F (165°C) until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the bread cool before slicing. It stays fresh at room temperature for 1-2 days.

You can also keep it in the fridge for up to a week.

Try adding chocolate chips for a sweeter version. This bread makes a great breakfast or dessert. It’s easy to make and perfect for fall baking.

4. Persimmon and Pomegranate Salad

This colorful salad combines two fall favorites: sweet persimmons and tart pomegranate seeds.

Start by peeling and slicing ripe Fuyu persimmons into wedges or thin slices.

Toss the persimmon pieces with a light dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange them on a serving platter and sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top.

For added crunch and flavor, try including some toasted walnuts. You can even make sugared walnuts by coating them in sugar and baking until caramelized.

This simple yet elegant salad makes a great side dish or light lunch. The bright colors and contrasting textures are sure to impress your guests.

5. Persimmon Jam

Persimmon jam is a sweet and flavorful spread you can make at home. To start, remove the stems and peel the persimmons. Cut the fruit into small cubes, about 1 cm in size.

Place the persimmon pieces in a large saucepan with a bit of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking.

Add sugar, lemon juice, and spices like ginger or cinnamon if desired.

Simmer the mixture until it thickens to a jam-like consistency. This process typically takes about 30-40 minutes.

Once ready, you can store your homemade persimmon jam in clean jars.

This versatile jam works well on toast, in baked goods, or as a topping for desserts. You can use either Fuyu or Hachiya persimmons for your jam recipe.

6. Persimmon Tart

A persimmon tart is a delicious way to showcase this fall fruit. You’ll love the sweet, custard-like filling made with ripe Fuyu persimmons. The fruit is mixed with cream, eggs, sugar, and butter for a rich taste.

The crust is crispy and buttery, providing a perfect base for the filling.

You can add warm spices like cinnamon, clove, and star anise to enhance the flavor. Some recipes even include a hint of black pepper for depth.

To make your tart extra special, try broiling the top briefly. This will give the edges of the fruit a lovely brown color.

Remember to cover the pastry edges with foil to prevent burning.

7. Roasted Persimmon Bruschetta

Roasted persimmon bruschetta is a tasty appetizer that combines sweet and savory flavors. Start by slicing ripe persimmons and roasting them in the oven until they’re soft and caramelized.

While the persimmons roast, prepare your bread. Brush slices with olive oil and toast them until golden brown. You can do this in the oven or on a grill for extra flavor.

Once everything is ready, top each bread slice with the roasted persimmons.

Add a dollop of creamy ricotta or goat cheese for richness. Finish with a drizzle of honey and some fresh herbs like thyme or basil.

This appetizer is perfect for fall gatherings. The roasted persimmons bring out their natural sweetness, making a delicious contrast to the crunchy bread.

8. Persimmon Smoothie

Persimmon smoothies are a tasty way to enjoy this sweet autumn fruit. To make one, you’ll need ripe persimmons, frozen banana, and plant-based milk.

Remove the stems from the persimmons and cut them into pieces. Add them to your blender with the other ingredients.

For extra flavor, try adding cinnamon, vanilla, or dates. Blend everything until smooth and creamy.

Pour your smoothie into a glass and enjoy right away. You can top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a slice of persimmon for a nice touch.

This nutritious drink is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. It’s packed with fiber and vitamins to give you energy for your day.

9. Persimmon Chutney

Persimmon chutney is a tasty way to use this fall fruit. You can make it with cider vinegar, onions, apples, raisins, and spices like ginger and coriander.

To prepare, you’ll combine ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until thick. Add chopped persimmons near the end of cooking.

This chutney goes well with cheese boards or as a topping for meats.

Try it with chicken – just pour some over browned chicken and simmer.

The sweet and tangy flavor of persimmon chutney can liven up many meals. It’s a great way to enjoy persimmons when they’re in season.

10. Persimmon Sorbet

Persimmon sorbet is a refreshing frozen treat that captures the fruit’s unique flavor. To make it, you’ll need ripe persimmons, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice.

Start by pureeing peeled persimmons in a blender until smooth. Strain the puree to remove any fibrous bits. Mix in sugar and lemon juice to taste.

Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture in a shallow pan, stirring every 30 minutes until set.

Serve your homemade persimmon sorbet in chilled bowls for a delightful dessert. It’s a great way to enjoy persimmons when they’re in season.

11. Persimmon and Apple Crisp

This fruity dessert combines the sweet flavor of persimmons with tart apples. To make it, slice persimmons and apples into a baking dish. Mix them with flour, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and spices.

Top the fruit with a crispy walnut topping. Bake until golden brown and bubbling. The crisp is ready in about 35-40 minutes.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This cozy treat is perfect for chilly fall evenings.

You can easily customize it by adjusting the spices or trying different nut toppings.

12. Persimmon Salsa

Persimmon salsa is a tasty twist on traditional salsa recipes. It combines the sweet flavor of persimmons with savory and spicy ingredients.

To make persimmon salsa, dice Fuyu persimmons and mix them with chopped onions, jalapeños, and cilantro. Add lime juice and salt to taste.

You can customize your salsa by adding extra ingredients like pomegranate seeds or mint.

This versatile dish works great as a dip for chips or as a topping for tacos and grilled meats.

Persimmon salsa is easy to prepare and takes just a few minutes to make. It’s a refreshing appetizer or side dish that’s perfect for fall gatherings.

13. Persimmon Cheesecake

Persimmon cheesecake is a tasty twist on a classic dessert. You’ll love the mix of creamy cheesecake and sweet persimmon flavors.

To make it, blend persimmon pulp with cream cheese, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and ginger. Add eggs to the mix for a smooth texture.

Pour this mixture over a graham cracker or gingersnap crust. Bake until set, then chill before serving.

For extra flavor, top your cheesecake with a persimmon puree or fresh persimmon slices. This dessert is perfect for fall gatherings or holiday meals.

14. Persimmon Pancakes

Persimmon pancakes are a tasty way to use ripe persimmons. To make them, you’ll need flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, milk, eggs, and persimmon puree.

Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Combine them gently – don’t overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.

Heat a griddle or pan over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil.

Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on top, then flip.

These pancakes have a unique flavor from the persimmons. Serve them warm with maple syrup or honey for a special breakfast treat.

15. Persimmon Marmalade

Persimmon marmalade is a tasty way to enjoy this fall fruit. To make it, start by cutting the tops off ripe persimmons and scooping out the flesh.

Discard any seeds and cores. Crush the fruit and put it in a large pot with other ingredients like sugar and lemon juice.

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring often. Let it simmer for about 30-45 minutes until it thickens.

For a smoother texture, you can pulse the cooked marmalade in a food processor. Be careful not to overblend it.

Once it reaches the right consistency, pour the hot marmalade into clean canning jars. Leave a bit of space at the top. Wipe the jar rims and seal them tightly.

Nutritional Benefits of Persimmons

Persimmons pack a punch when it comes to nutrition. These sweet fruits offer many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can boost your health in several ways.

Vitamins and Minerals

Persimmons are rich in vitamin C. One medium fruit gives you about 20% of your daily needs. This helps your immune system and skin health.

Persimmons also provide vitamin A, which is good for your eyes and immune system. You’ll get some B vitamins too, like thiamin and folate.

For minerals, persimmons offer potassium, copper, and manganese. Potassium helps control blood pressure. Copper aids in making red blood cells. Manganese supports bone health.

Don’t forget fiber! Persimmons have lots of it. One fruit has about 6 grams. This helps you feel full and keeps your digestion running smoothly.

Antioxidant Properties

Persimmons are full of plant compounds that act as antioxidants. These protect your body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.

Some key antioxidants in persimmons include:

• Carotenoids like beta-carotene and lycopene
• Flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol
• Tannins, which give unripe persimmons their bitter taste

These compounds may help lower your risk of certain diseases. They can fight inflammation in your body too.

Eating persimmons regularly can be a tasty way to boost your antioxidant intake. Try adding them to salads or eating them as a snack.

Cooking With Persimmons

Persimmons add a unique sweetness to both sweet and savory dishes. They can be eaten raw or cooked in many ways.

Selecting the Right Type

Two main types of persimmons are used in cooking: Fuyu and Hachiya.

Fuyu persimmons are squat and round. You can eat them while still firm, like an apple. They’re great raw in salads or on cheese boards.

Hachiya persimmons are longer and heart-shaped. They need to be very soft before eating. Use them in baked goods or puree them for sauces.

When shopping, pick persimmons that feel heavy for their size. The skin should be smooth and free of blemishes.

Ripening and Storing

Firm Fuyu persimmons can be left on the counter to ripen for a few days. To speed up ripening, put them in a paper bag with a banana.

Hachiya persimmons need to be very soft. Let them sit at room temperature until the flesh feels like jelly.

Store ripe persimmons in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the pulp in ice cube trays.

To prepare, wash the fruit and remove the leaves.

Fuyus can be sliced and eaten with the skin on. For Hachiyas, scoop out the soft flesh and discard the skin.