Persimmons: Fuyu vs. Hachiya | Wednesday’s In the Know!
Those delicious sweet juicy and intriguing fruits that line your market stands are actually quite the rage. Did you know, there are even festivals dedicated to their popularity? Well, Old Orange, by my Alma Matter, Chapman University, is putting their fame on the map by hosting an annual persimmon festival. Most of the homes in the city of Old Orange have their own persimmon trees,, which my sister confesses made for a great afternoon snack on her way to class, but this festival welcomes those from all over Orange County who look for an occasion to celebrate their beauty, flavor and history.
Cooking with Persimmons:
Before cooking, its important to know what kind of persimmon you are working with. Their ripeness, and when you can eat them, absolutely playsa huge role in how they should be prepared and utilized.
The Varieties: Fuyu vs. Hachiya
Fuyu take on the shape of a tomato and are squatter than Hachiya which are more acorn or lantern shape.
Variety Profiles:
Fuyu
- Fuyu: Fuyu can be eaten soft or firm, almost like that of a pear or apple, and tend to have a longer shelf life making them the more “popular” choice. Fuyu are best for snacking, cobblers, salads, pilaf or grain dishes, and cookies as they hold their shape. Fuyu will last around 2 weeks on your counter at room temperature. Fuyu get sweeter as they ripen, but tend to be less sweet overall than Hichaya.
- Hichaya: Hichaya must be eaten when soft and ripe as they are bitter and unpleasant when firm. Hichaya are ideal for purvees, baked good, sauces and james as their soft consistency breaks down easily in the cooking process. Once ripe, Hichaya will only last a few days, 2 max so make sure you plan accordingly. Some people, even cut them in half and use a spoon to scoop out the juicy soft interior. Hichaya tend to be sweeter than Fuyu as well.
Hachiya
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Cheers to starting a new tradition around The Table Together!
Sincerely,
Tiffany Lewis
Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!