Persimmons are delightful fall and winter fruits that add sweetness and color to many dishes. These orange beauties can transform ordinary recipes into extraordinary ones, offering both unique flavor and nutritional benefits when in season.
You can use persimmons in everything from baked goods like muffins and bread to savory dishes and fresh salads.
Whether you’re working with fuyu or hachiya varieties, there are countless ways to incorporate persimmons into your cooking. Many home cooks aren’t familiar with these versatile fruits, but they’re perfect for both sweet and savory applications.
With the right recipes, you can enjoy persimmons in breakfast dishes, salads, main courses, and desserts throughout their peak season.
1. Persimmon Bread with Spices
Persimmon bread is a delightful way to use ripe persimmons in your baking. This sweet quick bread gets its moisture from persimmon pulp, creating a soft texture that stays fresh for days.
The key is using the right spices. Cinnamon features prominently in most recipes, adding warmth to the naturally sweet persimmon flavor.
You can use either Fuyu or Hachiya persimmons, though Hachiyas need to be completely soft before using. The bread typically includes nuts like walnuts and sometimes raisins for added texture.
This recipe is simple to prepare – just mix wet ingredients, combine with dry ingredients, and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
2. Persimmon and Brie Crostini
This elegant appetizer pairs the sweet flavor of persimmons with creamy brie cheese on crispy baguette slices. It’s simple to make but looks impressive.
Start with thinly sliced baguette as your base. Top each slice with a piece of brie cheese and a thin slice of Fuyu persimmon.
For extra sweetness, sprinkle a bit of sugar (about 1/8 teaspoon) over each piece and broil until the sugar melts. The heat will also soften the brie.
For a variation, add pomegranate seeds on top for color and a burst of tangy flavor. You can also try a baked version with bacon for a smoky-sweet combination.
3. James Beard’s Persimmon Bread
James Beard’s persimmon bread recipe is a classic that has stood the test of time. This simple yet delicious bread uses ripe Hachiya persimmons to create a moist, flavorful loaf.
The recipe calls for 3½ cups of sifted flour, 1½ teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, and about 2 cups of sugar. You’ll also need melted butter and persimmon puree made from very soft persimmons with the peel removed.
Adding toasted chopped walnuts or pecans gives this bread a wonderful texture and nutty flavor. The result is a sweet, spiced bread that showcases the unique taste of persimmons.
4. Persimmon and Beet Salad
This vibrant salad combines the earthy sweetness of beets with the delicate flavor of persimmons. The contrasting colors make it visually stunning.
To create this salad, start with a bed of peppery arugula or baby kale. Add thinly sliced or roasted beets and persimmons cut with a mandoline for the best presentation.
For extra creaminess, consider adding feta or burrata cheese. The tanginess balances the natural sweetness of the fruits.
Finish with a simple Meyer lemon dressing and a sprinkle of crunchy seeds. This salad works perfectly as a side dish or light lunch option.
5. Persimmon Chutney
Persimmon chutney is a delightful way to use this seasonal fruit. It balances sweet and tangy flavors perfectly.
To make it, combine ingredients like apple cider vinegar, chopped onion, raisins or sultanas, and brown sugar in a saucepan. Add some lemon juice and zest for brightness.
Many recipes include warming spices like ginger, coriander, and cloves. You can adjust the heat level by adding green chiles or jalapeño peppers.
This versatile condiment pairs wonderfully with cheese boards, sandwiches, and snacks. It’s also an excellent accompaniment to roasted meats or as part of a holiday spread.
6. Fuyu and Apple Crumble
Fuyu persimmons and apples make a perfect pairing in this cozy crumble dessert. The honeyed sweetness of the persimmons complements the tartness of apples, creating a balanced flavor profile.
You can enhance this dessert with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. The fruit filling becomes tender and juicy when baked, while maintaining just enough structure.
Top the mixture with a crunchy oat crumble. Some recipes suggest adding macadamia nuts to the topping for extra texture and flavor.
This dessert works well as a healthier winter treat. It’s simpler to make than pie but delivers similar comforting flavors.
7. Chai Spiced Persimmon Oatmeal
Chai Spiced Persimmon Oatmeal is a warming breakfast that combines the sweet flavor of persimmons with aromatic chai spices. This recipe typically uses old-fashioned oats, unsweetened almond milk, and fresh persimmons.
The chai spice blend includes cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves, giving the oatmeal a complex flavor profile. You can either purchase a premade chai spice blend or mix your own at home.
To prepare this dish, cook the oats with almond milk and spices, then top with sliced or diced persimmon. For extra flavor, you can sauté the persimmon in a teaspoon of coconut oil before adding it to your oatmeal.
8. Persimmon with Bresaola
Persimmon and bresaola make a wonderful flavor pairing. The sweet, honey notes of ripe persimmons balance perfectly with the salty, savory taste of bresaola (air-dried beef).
You can create a simple salad by combining sliced fuyu persimmons with thin bresaola, fresh mozzarella, and a light drizzle of honey. This makes a great last-minute addition to your festive table.
For an elegant appetizer, try persimmon and bresaola crostini. Toast baguette slices, add melted mozzarella, top with persimmon slices and crispy bresaola, then finish with a touch of honey.
These combinations work best with fuyu persimmons, which can be eaten while still firm.
9. Persimmon Compote
Persimmon compote is a versatile fruit topping that’s easy to make with just a few ingredients. To prepare it, combine chopped persimmons with water, honey, and a splash of cider vinegar in a small saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer until the persimmons soften and the mixture thickens. This sweet-tart topping works perfectly over yogurt, ice cream, or oatmeal.
You can customize your compote by adding cinnamon, star anise, or orange zest for extra flavor. It’s best to use very ripe, soft persimmons for this recipe as they break down better during cooking.
10. Sticky Toffee Persimmon Pudding
Sticky Toffee Persimmon Pudding combines traditional sticky toffee pudding with sweet, ripe persimmons for an incredible dessert. This treat features a soft, moist sponge made with very ripe Hachiya persimmons.
The cake-like pudding has a texture similar to a traditional sticky toffee pudding but with the unique flavor of persimmons. When making this dessert, ensure your Hachiya persimmons are extremely ripe – they should feel almost like jelly.
The pudding is topped with a decadent sticky toffee sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This creates the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that will satisfy your dessert cravings.
11. Persimmon Cookies with Orange Glaze
These soft, moist cookies make excellent use of ripe Hachiya persimmons. The sweet persimmon pulp gives the cookies a unique flavor and tender texture.
The addition of warming spices complements the fruit perfectly. You can mix in chopped nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
What makes these cookies special is the sweet orange glaze on top. Fresh orange zest in the glaze highlights the persimmon’s natural sweetness.
These cookies are a holiday favorite but can be enjoyed anytime persimmons are in season. They’re a delicious way to use persimmons when they become perfectly ripe and soft.
12. Persimmon and Pomegranate Salad
This vibrant salad brings together the sweet flavor of fuyu persimmons with tart pomegranate seeds for a perfect balance. The combination creates a colorful dish that’s both refreshing and festive.
You can make this simple salad by combining sliced persimmons, pomegranate seeds, and chopped walnuts in a bowl. For extra flavor, add shaved fennel or butter lettuce as a base.
The dressing is equally simple – mix honey and yogurt, or try a bright citrus dressing with a hint of lime. Some recipes include fresh mint or cilantro for an herbal note.
This quick 5-minute salad makes an impressive side dish for any meal, especially during persimmon season.
13. Hachiya Persimmon Cookies
Hachiya persimmon cookies are a traditional holiday treat made from the astringent variety of persimmons. Unlike Fuyu persimmons, Hachiyas must be completely soft and ripe before using.
These cookies have a moist, cake-like texture and feature warm spices that complement the sweet persimmon pulp. You’ll need about one cup of pulp, which comes from approximately 1-2 very ripe Hachiya persimmons.
Most recipes include raisins or cranberries and nuts like walnuts for texture. The cookies often contain cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for that signature spicy flavor.
Cream butter and sugar, add an egg, mix in persimmon pulp with baking soda, then fold in your dry ingredients and mix-ins.
14. Persimmon Cheesecake
Persimmon cheesecake transforms the unique flavor of persimmons into a luxurious dessert. The standard recipe combines 2 cups of persimmon pulp with cream cheese for a rich, smooth texture.
Most recipes use a walnut crust with brown sugar and butter for a complementary nutty base. The filling typically needs three 8-ounce packages of cream cheese and several eggs.
Spices like cinnamon and ginger enhance the persimmon’s natural flavor. For an extra touch, consider adding a red wine sauce topping.
This dessert makes an impressive addition to your Thanksgiving table. The bright orange color and distinctive taste will surely impress your guests.
15. Persimmon Tart
Persimmon tarts blend sweetness and elegance in one impressive dessert. Using ripe persimmons, you need just a bit of sugar, spices, and butter to create a creamy, flavorful tart.
You can make a traditional tart with a removable rim pan for a clean presentation. Try different crusts like pecan for a nutty flavor or chocolate for a rich contrast.
For a more creative approach, consider adding cream cheese for a tangy element or white chocolate with pistachios for extra texture. The natural sweetness of persimmons means you won’t need much added sugar.
You don’t even need to peel the fruit, making this an easy yet impressive dessert option.
16. Persimmon and Walnut Loaf
This quick bread combines sweet persimmon pulp with crunchy walnuts for a delicious treat. You’ll need ripe Hachiya persimmons for the best results—they should be very soft before using.
The recipe is simple to make in just one bowl. Mix your persimmon purée with melted butter or oil, yogurt, and vanilla for moisture and flavor.
Walnuts add a nice textural contrast to the soft bread. Some recipes also include raisins for extra sweetness.
This loaf stays moist for days and makes a perfect breakfast or snack. It’s an excellent way to use up extra persimmons when they’re in season.
17. Persimmon and Citrus Medley
This refreshing medley pairs sweet persimmons with tangy citrus fruits for a perfect balance of flavors. Choose ripe fuyu persimmons, which can be eaten while still firm, and slice them into thin wedges.
Add segments of oranges, grapefruits, and blood oranges for vibrant color and zingy contrast. You can enhance the medley with a light dressing of honey and lime juice.
For extra texture, sprinkle some pomegranate seeds or chopped nuts on top. This versatile dish works well as a breakfast option, side dish, or light dessert.
Serve chilled for the best taste experience. The combination of sweet persimmons and tart citrus creates a memorable flavor profile.
18. Persimmon Bites with Goat Cheese
These simple yet elegant persimmon bites with goat cheese make a perfect appetizer for any occasion. You only need a few ingredients to create these tasty treats.
Start with firm Fuyu persimmons sliced about 1/4 inch thick. Spread each slice with creamy goat cheese (chèvre works best) and add a drizzle of honey for sweetness.
For extra flavor, try adding crispy sage leaves or chopped pecans on top. The combination of sweet persimmon with tangy goat cheese creates a balanced bite that your guests will love.
These quick appetizers work well for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers. You can prepare them in minutes when you need an impressive snack.
19. Persimmon and Ricotta Crostini
Persimmon and ricotta crostini make a perfect appetizer for any gathering. The combination of creamy whipped ricotta with sweet persimmon creates a delightful flavor contrast.
To make this dish, start by toasting baguette slices until crisp. Mix ricotta with goat cheese until it’s spreadable, then generously spread it on each crostini.
Top with thinly sliced persimmon. For extra flavor, you can add crispy prosciutto pieces and fresh mint.
Finish with a drizzle of olive oil or brown butter. Some versions include crisped sage leaves as a final touch, adding an aromatic element to this simple yet elegant appetizer.
20. Persimmon and Kale Salad
Persimmon and kale create a perfect winter salad that’s both nutritious and colorful. The bright orange persimmons contrast beautifully with the deep green kale leaves.
To make this salad, massage the kale first to soften its texture. This simple step makes a huge difference in the eating experience.
Add sliced ripe persimmons, toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds, and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for extra color and crunch.
Dress your salad with a simple lemon or lime vinaigrette. The bright citrus flavor balances the sweetness of the persimmons and the earthiness of the kale.
This salad works as a side dish or light meal that’s packed with vitamins and fiber.
21. Persimmon Marmalade
Persimmon marmalade offers a delightful twist on traditional preserves. Unlike regular jam, marmalade includes bits of fruit peel for added texture and flavor.
To make persimmon marmalade, use ripe, sweet persimmons with a small amount of peel. Combine with sugar, lemon juice, and a bit of orange zest for depth.
The natural pectin in persimmons helps this marmalade set nicely. You don’t need to add commercial pectin.
This spread works beautifully on toast, scones, or as a glaze for roasted meats. You can also use it as a filling in baked goods or swirl it into yogurt.
Nutritional Benefits of Persimmons
Persimmons pack a powerful nutritional punch with their impressive vitamin content and disease-fighting compounds. These vibrant orange fruits offer substantial health benefits while remaining relatively low in calories.
Vitamins and Minerals
Persimmons are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, making them great for your immune system and skin health. A single persimmon provides about 55% of your daily vitamin A needs, supporting good vision and cell growth.
These fruits contain significant amounts of manganese, which helps with blood clotting and bone formation. Persimmons also provide potassium for healthy blood pressure regulation.
Fiber is another standout nutrient in persimmons, with about 6 grams per fruit. This fiber helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and promotes digestive health.
The nutritional profile is impressive considering persimmons are low in calories. They contain natural sugars but have a low glycemic index, making them a smart choice for those watching their weight.
Antioxidant Properties
Persimmons are rich in powerful antioxidants that help combat free radicals in your body. These compounds, including flavonoids and carotenoids, help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
The bright orange color comes from beta-carotene and lycopene, antioxidants linked to reduced cancer risk and improved heart health. Regular consumption may help protect your cells from damage.
Research suggests the antioxidants in persimmons may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. They contain tannins, which have been studied for their potential anti-tumor properties.
The antioxidant content varies between varieties, with Hachiya persimmons typically containing higher levels than Fuyu types. For maximum benefits, eat them fully ripened when their antioxidant content peaks.
Cooking Techniques for Persimmons
Persimmons offer amazing versatility in the kitchen, transforming from raw delights to cooked wonders. Their unique flavor profile works exceptionally well in both sweet and savory applications.
Baking with Persimmons
Baking brings out the natural sweetness of persimmons, making them perfect for desserts. When using persimmons in baking, ensure they’re fully ripe for Hachiya varieties or firm-ripe for Fuyu types.
You can substitute persimmon pulp for banana in quick bread recipes for a delightful twist. Simply peel, purée the fruit, and measure as you would mashed banana.
For cookies and cakes, persimmon pulp adds moisture and natural sweetness. Mix it into batters for muffins, scones, or cheesecake bases for a subtle fruity flavor.
Tips for baking success:
- Remove the seeds before puréeing
- Wait until Hachiya persimmons are completely soft
- Add complementary spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger
- Balance moisture by reducing other wet ingredients slightly
Using Persimmons in Salads
Fresh persimmons add a sweet crunch and vibrant color to salads. Fuyu persimmons work best in salads as they’re firm enough to slice or dice while maintaining their shape.
You can pair persimmon with bitter greens like arugula or kale to create a balanced flavor profile. The sweetness of persimmons complements tangy dressings and salty ingredients beautifully.
Try creating a fall-inspired salad with:
- Thinly sliced Fuyu persimmons
- Toasted nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Crumbled cheese (blue, goat, or feta)
- Light vinaigrette with citrus notes
For a more substantial option, combine persimmons with grains like quinoa or farro. Add protein such as prosciutto-wrapped persimmon slices for an elegant touch in a tabbouleh or buckwheat salad.
