If
you step into the market at this time of the year, one fruit seems to
stand out – the persimmon. With a vibrant orange colour and honey-like
sweetness, persimmons are an often overlooked seasonal fruit available
in Indian markets.
They
are originally from China, where they have been grown for over 2,000
years, and have spread to Japan and Korea and have now made their way to
Indian shores.
Recently, actor-influencer Nauheed Cyrusi shared how she enjoys this
fruit. She said, “If you ask me what this tastes like, imagine if a
sweet apple and a pear had a baby. You can keep the skin on or remove
it; I like to keep the skin on.“
Health Benefits of Persimmons
This
fruit is consumed globally for its flavour and is also enjoyed for its
significant health benefits. In China, one can eat them raw, cooked or
frozen for an iced treat. They are also popular as a dried fruit snack,
known as shìbǐng.
In
India, persimmons are typically in season from October to February.
They are nutrient-rich and are abundant in vitamins A, C, and E, which
are beneficial for skin health and immunity. These fruits also contain
high levels of antioxidants such as beta-carotene, which help fight free
radicals.
Persimmons are a good source of dietary fibre, so eating it can aid in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
There
are two main varieties of persimmons: astringent (Hachiya), which must
be fully ripe and extremely soft before eating, and non-astringent
(Fuyu), which can be enjoyed firm like an apple.
Add Persimmon To Your Diet With This Easy Recipe
If
you want to try this fruit and aren’t sure how to use it, make this
10-minute easy persimmon carpaccio. It is an Italian dish that’s usually
made with thinly sliced raw meat or fish. However, the thinly sliced
persimmons make for a light appetiser that is perfect for the holidays
and vegetarians.
