11 Versatile Persimmon Recipes to Complete Any Autumnal Feast
The best ways to use fresh persimmon in the kitchen happen to be both sweet and savory.
Persimmons are one of the freshest, healthiest crops that farmers across the world harvest in fall and winter — and yet the subtly honey-like flavor profile of the fruit remains a mystery to most. Persimmons are grown on trees but are entirely classified as berries, with their juicy flesh containing plenty of plant-based calcium. Our nutrition pros have already spotlighted persimmons for their supercharged polyphenolic compounds which help to boost your cardiovascular health over time.
There are a handful of different persimmon breeds you can find in grocery stores and farmer markets in the fall and winter months; the most common variety, Hachiya, will likely be the best bet for home cooks. The best persimmons to eat raw and to incorporate into a variety of sweet and savory recipes are extremely bright — you'll notice their bright orange hue from a mile away in any produce aisle. When ripe, their skins remain vividly bright and soft and plump, but not overly mushy.
Since the persimmon is humbly sweet, it makes sense to incorporate this seasonal delight into baked goods and desserts galore. You'd be surprised at how persimmons, which are akin to apricots in all the right ways, lend themselves to savory plates in sauces, fresh salsas, and zesty dips for meals at any hour of the day. We're sharing some versatile ideas for putting fresh persimmons to use in your kitchen this winter.
Persimmon Cookies
There are so many zesty citrus notes in these cake-like cookies that make them feel lighter than ever. The filling is chock-full of walnuts and dried cranberries, but the sugar glaze incorporates a persimmon purée that transforms this sweet treat entirely.
Get the recipe from Simply Recipes »
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Prosciutto Puff Pastry Tart
The perfect dish for entertaining guests, this savory tart is topped with a trio of fresh figs, persimmons and/or apples to keep the texture enticing (the crunch is unparalleled!).
Holiday Charcuterie Board with Fresh Fruit
If you're hosting for the holidays, jazz up a perfect charcuterie offering by incorporating a few fruits your guests will certainly enjoy. Fresh persimmon and pomegranate pair perfectly with the array of cheese on this board!
Get the recipe from Alice and Lois »
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Persimmon Pudding
It may be the only time we prefer pudding over pie at Thanksgiving; the spongy cake base of this ultra-luxe persimmon pudding will win you over, too.
Roasted Persimmon Yogurt Bowl
A gorgeous pop of color in the morning, the sweet, tender profile of the fresh persimmon pairs perfectly with the crunch of chia seeds, pistachio and granola.
Persimmon Bread
Move on over, pumpkin bread! The persimmon pureé that serves as the base of this delightfully sweet bread adds a new flavor profile to a beloved fall treat.
Get the recipe from Lovely Indeed »
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Persimmon Chocolate Chip Cookies
Updating a standard take on gooey chocolate cookies with a hint of cinnamon and a healthy dose of fresh persimmon is a baker's pro move. These cookies make for wonderful giveaways at the holidays.
Sausage Frittata With Persimmon Salsa
Bid adieu to ketchup at the breakfast table, because this rustic salsa is the best way to dress eggs on chilly fall mornings. It comes together with just 4 ingredients in a flash!
Winter Citrus Tart
Grapefruit and blood oranges play perfectly with soft Fuyu persimmons, and you can riff on this recipe to customize the ratios to your liking.
Get the recipe from A Classic Twist »
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Persimmon Pomegranate Fruit Salad
If you happen to come across a more vibrant Fuyu persimmon, this bright salad is based on an Alice Waters' dish that incorporates apples and pomegranate seeds into a delicious trio. Honey, lemon and mint make for a unique dressing, too.
Persimmon Pudding Cake
This uber-satisfying cake comes together with a soft mix of hachiya persimmon pulp, butter, vanilla, sugar and chopped nuts; a lovely holiday profile you simply can't resist.
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