Harvest of the Month: Persimmons

November 10th, 2023

HARVEST OF THE MONTH: PERSIMMONS

persimmons in a line


November’s featured food in our Harvest of the Month program is the persimmon. This one is full of surprises, as it isn’t always familiar to many of our students and staff. Let us tell you, you’re in for a treat with this amazing fruit, packed full of flavor and fun.

 

Persimmons are originally from China, and some species made their way to Japan, where it is the national fruit. Today, almost all persimmons in the United States are grown in California, making it a fantastic way to support our local and state-wide farmers. 

 

Persimmons are a fantastic source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, lycopene, beta-carotene, and other antioxidants that help to boost the immune system. A ripe persimmon has a mild, sweet taste that some have said is similar to honey. The inside fruit texture is close to that of an apricot, and the skin is similar to an apple.

 

Persimmon cut in half to show fruit insideSecret tip: you can eat the skin of persimmon, and combined with the sweet fruit inside it’s like a natural version of a Sweet Tart.

 

 

Persimmon Facts 

• Fresno and Tulare counties in California produce 53 percent of all of California’s persimmons.

• San Diego, Orange, and Riverside counties are also major producers of persimmon in California.

• The Hachiya variety was the most popular persimmon for the first half of the 20th century but has been replaced by the Fuyu variety in the years since.

• Some varieties of persimmon can be ripened faster by putting them in a paper bag with apples or bananas.


This year, our persimmons are coming from Davis Farms, located just up the road in Valley Center.

 

 

Educator newsletter on persimmons for Harvest of the MonthHarvest of the Month Resources
Learn more about heirloom tomatoes with your class during a Harvest of the Month activity. You can download our Harvest of the Month resources for families here. 

 

Harvest of the Month is available for any classroom that wants to participate. If your child’s teacher wants to sign up for the program, it’s easy. For more information about the program, classroom tasting parties, and more, email Vanessa Luna.

 

 

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