Persimmons are presented as the quintessential Mediterranean fruit . In winter, they bring a beautiful orange color to market stalls. Rich in carotenoids and fibre, this fruit can be enjoyed from October to January. But how do persimmons ripen?
The persimmon: an easy fruit to harvest
When persimmons are ripe, they can be harvested directly from the tree branch. This is the case of the apple persimmon, a delicate variety that can be harvested from the tree when ripe. But more often the persimmons are harvested unripe and left in special boxes to ripen delicately.
Before eating persimmons, you need to make sure that they are ripe. First of all, you need to know that there are two types of persimmons : astringent persimmons, with a beautiful red color, a thin skin and tasty pulp, and persimmons with firm pulp, which are less fragile.
Mix persimmons with other fruits
To obtain a ripe persimmon in a short time, place the fruit at room temperature next to an apple or a banana. These two fruits emit ethylene, which helps the persimmon ripen . To speed things up even further, place the persimmon and banana together in an airtight food bag.
Use of the progressive maturation system
Progressive ripening allows you to dose the addition of apples to the box of unripe persimmons. It is especially beneficial for helping you ripen fruits in a staggered manner . This way, you will have persimmons ready to eat from November to January.
Another tip is to store persimmons in an airtight box with a glass of cognac . Guaranteed effect on the fruits, which will ripen quickly.
If you want to ripen the persimmon slowly, so that it is filled with sugar and tastes better, just place it in a fruit basket in front of a sunny window . The fruit will ripen slowly.
Astringent persimmons turn dark red or even brown when fully ripe. Since the pulp is soft, you can taste it with a teaspoon by removing the top part of the fruit . For persimmons with firm flesh, cut them into quarters or munch on the fruit directly!