Welcome to the second Harvest of the Month: Persimmon!

Persimmon will be available at your school on Monday, November 16th.

What to do?

  1. Contact your teacher to schedule a time for your tasting.
  2. Check with your teacher if any students have food allergies.
  3. Take the Harvest of the Month home and prepare them for your tasting! There are many recipe ideas included in the handouts, but you can always keep it simple.
  4. Look over the curriculum and plan key education nuggets you think your class will enjoy.
  5. Return the green canvas bag the produce came in to the pick up location.

Resources

Let’s talk persimmonspersimmons labeled with stem, leaves, peel, mesocarp, endocarp

  • Have you tried a persimmon?
  • What do you notice first—its color, smell, or shape?
  • Is it soft or firm? Sweet or not sweet?
  • Can you guess: does it grow on a bush or a tree?
  • Which state grows the most persimmons in the U.S.?

Botanical facts

  • Scientific name: Diospyros Kaki
  • Family: Ebenaceae
  • Classification: Berry

Why persimmons are awesome

  • Persimmons have vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber—things your body uses every day.
  • They also have colorful plant nutrients called antioxidants. Try a bite and enjoy!

Produce tips

  • Let firm persimmons ripen on the counter.
  • Keep ripe persimmons in the fridge.
  • Ask an adult to help you cut them.

Persimmons fun facts

  • Persimmons are Japan’s national fruit.
  • The tree’s flowers make nectar for honeybees.
  • Unripe persimmons can make your mouth feel dry or numb—wait until they are ripe.
  • Persimmon seeds were once used as coffee substitutes and buttons.
  • California persimmons: Did you know? California’s Central San Joaquin Valley is the main persimmon-growing area. Recent acreage has been around 3,500 acres, and the region grows about 53% of the state’s persimmons.
  • Persimmon trees: Did you know? The D. kaki kind began in China and reached Japan over 1,000 years ago. Persimmon trees can grow in many soils and climates, drop their leaves in winter, and reach 25 feet. Early spring is a good time to plant.

Persimmons recipes

Persimmon Parfait Cups

  • Ripe persimmons
  • Plain or vanilla yogurt
  • Crunchy granola or cereal

Directions:

  1. Ask an adult to help cut the persimmon.
  2. Layer yogurt, persimmon pieces, and granola in a cup.
  3. Add one more crunchy sprinkle. Enjoy!

Check out these other great recipes