Persimmon is one of the rarest members of the ebony family, whose name we don’t hear very often. It is also loved and considered as the Paradise palm and the Paradise apple.
Apart from these two names, you may have heard with the names of arbutus, Mediterranean date, black date, ambe, amme and Japanese apple.
Since the most suitable climate in the world is subtropical, it mostly grows on the coasts of Hatay and Antalya and the Black Sea.
The fruits of the plant contain abundant amounts of A, B and C, potassium, calcium, zinc and phosphorus. Apart from these, Japanese apples such as paradise fruit, paradise, arbutus, Mediterranean date, black date, persimmon, persimmon, folk, ambe and many other names. Due to its beautiful appearance and exquisite taste, it was considered a sacred fruit in ancient times and was called the “fruit of Zeus”. this region. Although it is a subtropical climate fruit, it grows in many parts of the world with mild climate. Black Sea coast of Turkey, if scattered trees in the Marmara and Aegean regions, the Mediterranean region of Hatay, Adana, Mersin, tend to adapt to different regions of the Mediterranean region.
Persimmon varieties
There are many types of dates. Hachiya and Fuyu varieties are widely consumed in our country.
Hachiya is the most widely consumed variety, bitter when hard, eaten when ripe and soft. It is hardened and bitter due to its high amount of tannins. Tannin is a substance that gives a bitter taste to tea and wine. Once softened, it does not maintain shrinkage and becomes edible. The bitter and hard fruits are incredibly delicious when ripe.
Fuyu is a type of chocolate palm that is grown especially in Antakya-Hatay region and eaten hard when seen on the stalls. Cocoa date is also known as black date. The fruit of the hard fruit juice is acceptable, before ripening it is eaten as crispy like an apple.
Although the Hachiya and Fuyu fruits are similar in appearance, they are easily distinguished. The color of Hachiya’s skin is more vibrant, there are no seeds inside, the fruit flesh is orange when ripe, very soft and juicy. Fuyu fruit flesh is brown and has large seeds inside.
Is persimmon eaten before it is ripe?
Persimmon fruits are difficult to taste, and astringent ones are divided into two. The firming Hachiya matures and the non-astringent Fuyu is eaten before it is ripe. If you eat persimmon that contains tannins i.e. Hachiya, you don’t like the creamy taste. If you are going to consume it immediately, buy the ripe ones. Or put 1 apple or banana and 4-5 pieces of raw dates in a paper bag, dark bag or sealed box and let stand at room temperature. Within a few days, the dates ripen and become sweet.
How is persimmon consumed and where is it used?
Persimmon is consumed fresh or dried. In the food industry, it is used to make desserts, ice cream, marmalade, cake, sauce, puree, cream and pudding.
What are persimmon nutritional values and health benefits?
Persimmon, which is particularly rich in vitamin A and contains vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant. It also contains B-complex vitamins. It is a rich source of fiber. It contains minerals such as potassium, iron, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium.
This fruit containing dense fiber runs the intestines and regulates the digestive system. It runs the mineral-containing metabolism. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it strengthens the immune system and is effective in fighting against some types of cancer. It has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular diseases. It lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure. It is used to treat vitamin deficiency.
While explaining everything and praising Persimmon so much, it is not without mentioning the harm. Because as we mentioned its benefits, it is very effective in our organs such as stomach and intestines. Therefore, in cases of excessive consumption, without good chewing, it will not benefit these organs and may be harmful. For this reason, just like everything else, it is necessary not to overeat the paradise palm.
Patients with ulcers, gastritis, stomach problems and diabetes should not eat dates without consulting reflux doctors.
Finally, women who are pregnant are not recommended to eat persimmon, so when conditions such as craving are present, they should not eat without consulting a doctor.
