Persimmons: What they are and why they’ll be your favourite new fruit this Autumn

I have a very exciting announcement to make! I’ve been selected to do some work with Persimmons Australia this year!!!But what are Persimmons I hear you ask? Well let me tell you all about them :)

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What Are Persimmons

Persimmons are a delicious, tropical fruit, packed full of essential nutrients to keep you healthy! Persimmons are naturally low in calories & are a great way to skip the highly processed foods but still enjoy the sweetness of nature in a healthy form!

Picture taken at Kathleen Haven Persimmon Orchard on the beautiful tour lead by Persimmon Farmer Brett Guthrey.

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Persimmon Varieties

There are several varieties of persimmon grown in Australia but these are the main two you’ll find:

1. Hachiya Persimmons (aka the original persimmon) – these are a vibrant red-orange colour with a soft, juicy texture, similar to a mango. They are great for smoothies, desserts, baking or simply eating whole! The Hachiya are my personal favourite due to the deliciously sweet honey flavour and almost jelly-like texture.
2. Fuyu Persimmons (aka the sweet persimmon) - these are pale orange and can be eaten crisp & crunchy like an apple; making them the perfect addition to your lunch box this autumn.

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When Are Persimmons In Season

• Autumn is persimmon season in Australia; so mid-March to late June in the perfect time to grab yourself some delicious persimmons. Check out my Chewy Persimmon Cookie recipe below inspired by Persimmons Australia

 

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How To Choose A Ripe Persimmon 

• Hachiya (the soft persimmons) need time to ripen before eating. Leave on your kitchen bench until they are very soft and juicy. Note that it doesn’t matter if there are small blemishes on the hachiya persimmons; they will still taste delicious.
• Fuyu (the crisp persimmons) can be eaten straight away with their crisp, apple like texture.
• Handy Hint – putting your persimmons in the fridge will actually cause them to deteriorate faster, so make sure you let them ripen on your bench.

 

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Health Benefits of Persimmons

Persimmons are extremely healthy and rich in many essential nutrients. Persimmons are:

• A good source of vitamin C, needed for the formation of connective tissues including our bones, blood vessels and skin. Vitamin C also helps non-haem iron absorption.
• Contain beta-carotene; a carotenoid and antioxidant that is converted into Vitamin A in our bodies needed for healthy skin, eyes and immune system.
• Great source of needed for healthy digestion and blood sugar control.

 

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How To Use Persimmons

Persimmons are extremely versatile! Try the following ways to include a persimmon in your day:

• Enjoy a persimmon as a healthy snack – just slice it up and enjoy
• Blend a Hachiya Persimmon into a smoothie – try my Persimmon & Chia Winter Wellness Smoothie recipe here http://www.rebeccagawthorne.com.au/recipes/persimmon-chia-winter-wellness-smoothie/
• Make a smoothie bowl using Hachiya Persimmons by blending with a frozen banana
• Slice a Fuyu Persimmon and add it to a salad with leafy greens, some toasted nuts and balsamic dressing. YUM!
• Add to your yoghurt or on top of your morning cereal, muesli or porridge
• Bake into delicious desserts & snacks like my Chewy Persimmon Cookie recipe below.

So next time you’re at the shops, be sure to pick up some persimmons and try them for yourself! Snap a pic and share it with me by tagging @persimmonsaustralia & #aussiepersimmons

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Recipe: Chewy Persimmon Cookies

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Ingredients:

• 2 ripe persimmons
• 2 cups plain rolled oats
• ½ cup sultanas
• 2 tbs chia seeds soaked in 4tbs water
• ½ cup shredded coconut
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbs honey
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180ºC.
2. Place plain rolled oats in a blender and blend until flour forms. Add baking powder & cinnamon and blend. Scoop out into a large mixing bowl.
3. Wash persimmon & slice off top stem. Place into blender with honey, oil & chia. Blend until combined & pour into dry mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until combined.
4. Add in coconut & sultanas. Mix until combined.
5. Drop teaspoons full of the batter onto a baking tray & for 15 minutes or until desired texture is reached. Remove from oven & cool on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.
6. Enjoy.

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Editor’s Note: This post is proudly sponsored by Persimmons Australia & my recipe was adapted from this recipe. All views are my own and not influenced in any way.

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