- Gordon Dumoulin
The last fruit hanging before real winter kicks in...
While most trees have already lost their leaves, this ancient fruit is still hanging firm on the branches until end of November or well into December. Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is an ancient fruit and became popular in the Qin and Han dynasties (221BC-AD220), with large-scale cultivation during the Tang (618-907).
Persimmon was introduced to Japan in the 7th century where it has become a national fruit and later on to other countries in Asia. In the late 1800's the fruit was introduced in the USA and other parts of the world.
The fruit is recommended in TCM for high blood pressure and loaded with vitamin C, beta-carotene (for Vitamin A) and fibers.
Due to its perishability, fruits are usually dried, frozen or processed to jams or cakes immediately after harvest. Persimmon should not be consumed unripe due to the high amount of tannins which lowers to acceptable levels at its full ripeness.
A popular fruit around Chinese New Year and as a gift for newly weds. Persimmon symbolizes something tender or gentle, ripe, and sweet. "Do not use a knife but peel gently, not to tear the tender, fragile and sweet meat"
Persimmon, the last fruit harvest before the real winter kicks in.
