Eaten Fresh: When fully ripe, the flesh becomes soft and jelly-like. Simply cut off the top and scoop out the sweet pulp with a spoon for a delicious treat.
Baking and Desserts: Ripe persimmon pulp adds a natural sweetness and moist texture to baked goods. Use it in cakes, muffins, quick breads, and cookies, or try a classic persimmon pudding or persimmon bread.
Smoothies: Blend the soft, ripe flesh with yogurt, milk, or other fruits for a creamy, sweet smoothie with a unique flavor.
Jams and Sauces: Astringent persimmons can be cooked down into jams, preserves, or sauces, which are excellent toppings for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
Frozen Treats: For a refreshing snack, freeze ripe persimmons until firm, then enjoy them like sorbet straight from the skin.
Make sure they’re fully soft before eating or using them in recipes, as this removes the astringent, bitter taste!