20 Best Persimmon Recipes That Add a Delicate Sweetness to Your Fall Table
It's sure to become your new favorite fruit.
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Bright orange in color and delicately sweet in flavor—persimmons are a prized treat during the months between October and January. But don't worry if you haven't tried this fall fruit! Persimmons are often consider pretty mysterious for most people shopping at the grocery store. They look kind of like orange tomatoes, but they have a honey-sweet flavor that's perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. With the persimmon recipes below, we'll show you the best ways to use them.
But first, what exactly is a persimmon? The fall fruit is native to China but you can find them grown on trees in parts of the United States. You'll often find two specific varieties grown here: Hachiya and Fuyu persimmons. If you see Hachiya persimmon at your supermarket, wait until they're very soft (almost mushy) to enjoy the sweet honey flavor. On the other hand, Fuyu persimmons are closer in similarities to apples and can be eaten when firm. Whether you're new to persimmons or a long-time fan, these recipes will provide some creative inspiration to try this fall. If you're looking for a sweet dessert or fall breakfast idea, try the persimmon cookies, chai spiced persimmon oatmeal, or the persimmon pudding with sticky toffee sauce. Then again, don't forget that persimmons can add a pop of sweetness to savory chutneys, fall salads, or even a Thanksgiving charcuterie board. In fact, you'll never believe how delicious persimmons can be when used in salsas, yogurt bowls, and even fall cocktails.
Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Fresh fruit like persimmons, figs, and apples are a great choice for this fall-inspired charcuterie board. Their sweet flavor will balance out all the salty deli meats and cheeses.
Persimmon Salad
This hearty salad is loaded with sweet and savory mix-ins, like crunchy fuyu persimmons, pomegranate seeds, toasted pecans, goat cheese and pickled red onions.
Persimmon Rum Punch
Simmering fresh persimmon with brown sugar and a blend of fall spices will result in the most flavorful puree for this rum-based drink. It's also finished with hard cider and a cinnamon stick for good measure!
Get the Persimmon Rum Punch recipe at The View from Great Island.
Fiesta Lime Shrimp Salad
Spicy honey lime shrimp and sweet fruits, like persimmon and pineapple, make this salad feel like a real fiesta. The sweet and tangy dressing brings it all together.
Get the Fiesta Lime Shrimp Salad recipe at Love Bakes Good Cakes.
Crock-Pot Persimmon Cranberry Sauce
Here's a fun twist on a classic Thanksgiving side! The sweet persimmon, tart cranberries, and warm cinnamon all pair perfectly together.
Get the Crock-Pot Persimmon Cranberry Sauce recipe at Simple Joy.
Persimmon Salad with Fennel and Pomegranate
If this salad doesn't add a pop of color to your table, we don't know what will! A bright and refreshing citrus dressing pairs perfectly with the sweetness from the persimmon and pomegranate seeds.
Get the Persimmon Salad with Fennel and Pomegranate recipe at Feasting at Home.
Persimmon Cookies
These cookies are packed with warm winter spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. Plus, they're made with a sweet Fuyu persimmon puree, nuts, and dried cranberries.
Roasted Persimmon Yogurt Bowl
Step up your fall breakfast by making this yogurt bowl topped with roasted persimmons. Pistachios, granola, chia seeds, and a drizzle of honey brings the whole bowl together.
Get the Roasted Persimmon Yogurt Bowl recipe at A Classic Twist.
Cinnamon Persimmon Banana Smoothie
When persimmons are extra-ripe (and sweet), they're perfect for blending into a seasonal smoothie. Just be sure to add some cinnamon for a hint of spice.
Get the Cinnamon Persimmon Banana Smoothie recipe at Sugar and Soul.
Persimmon Salsa
Instead of tomatoes, this winter salsa is made with crisp fuyu persimmons. You can scoop it up with tortilla chips or serve it over your favorite tacos.
Persimmon Pudding
This pudding is like a spongy cake with sticky toffee sauce poured on top. It's warm, sweet, and has a hint of flaky sea salt.
Spiced Persimmon Bourbon Old Fashioned
This twist on an old fashioned starts with a spiced maple persimmon puree. Pair it with bourbon, sweet clementine juice, and a couple of dashes of bitters for a toast-worthy drink.
Get the Spiced Persimmon Bourbon Old Fashioned recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
Holiday Cheese Board
Fall or winter fruits, like persimmons, pears, and sugared cranberries, are a great way to balance out the saltiness from the sliced meats and cheeses. To make it even more festive, add other garnishes to the board, like honey and cranberry relish.
Chai Spiced Persimmon Oatmeal
Both persimmon and pomegranate seeds will add a pop of color and nutrition to your morning bowl of oats. It's a healthy breakfast that anyone can get behind.
Get the Chai Spiced Persimmon Oatmeal recipe at Food Heaven Made Easy.
Spicy Mango Persimmon Chutney
This chutney is a sweet and spicy relish that's equally delicious alongside curry as it is spread onto a turkey sandwich. It uses fuyu persimmons which have an apricot-like flavor.
Get the Spicy Mango Persimmon Chutney recipe at The View from Great Island.
Harvest Cranberry, Persimmon, and Burrata Salad
If you're a fan of burrata salad with tomatoes in the summer, you'll love this autumnal variation made with persimmons instead! It would look so pretty on your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Harvest Cranberry, Persimmon, and Burrata Salad recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
Persimmon Aperol Spritz
A classic aperol spritz is already bright orange in color so it makes sense to pair it with this orange-hued fruit! The pureed persimmon also adds a spiced seasonal flavor that's perfect for fall.
Vanilla Bean Persimmon Yogurt Bowl
When sautéed with vanilla bean seeds, maple syrup, and a pinch of cinnamon, persimmons turn into a unique and flavorful topping for a healthy yogurt bowl. This recipe also has a homemade quinoa granola for added crunch.
Get the Vanilla Bean Persimmon Yogurt Bowl recipe at Spices in my DNA.
Pomegranate Persimmon Salad
This salad is like a beautiful rainbow thanks to the orange persimmon, red pomegranate seeds, purple onion, and green avocado. You can top it with cooked chicken for an even heartier lunch.
Get the Pomegranate Persimmon Salad recipe at Food Faith Fitness.
Overnight Autumn Breakfast Quinoa
Just like overnight oats, this recipe is great for busy mornings. You can make it the night before and layer it with dried cranberries, roasted pepitas, cinnamon apples, flaked coconut, and persimmons.
Get the Overnight Autumn Breakfast Quinoa recipe at How Sweet Eats.
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