Persimmon – Diospyros kaki
The fruit of the persimmon tree has been used for thousands of years in Asia and Africa.
It was first cultivated in Japan around 300 BC. Today, persimmons are available year-round in many grocery stores.
At first glance, the Persimmon fruit can be mistaken for a small tomato.
But when you look closer there are some key differences, not only visually but also when it comes to nutrition.
The health benefits of the persimmon fruit should be an encouragement for you to buy a few whenever you see them available in the supermarket.
Not only can they help with lowering bad cholesterol, but they also have antioxidants and so help you boost your immune system.
There are many varieties, although the two common ones are the Fuyu and Hachlya, cultivated from Asia and Japan.
This fruit can be astringent or non-astringent.
Non-astringent persimmons can be eaten fresh right from the tree and are crisp like an apple.
Astringent persimmons are best picked and ripened for a few days until soft and nearly mushy before they are sweet enough to eat.
They are the sweetest: richer and juicier than the non-astringents.
Astringents are sweet like maple syrup when ripe and quite interesting as a dried delicacy. Non-astringents are a more mellow sweet like cantaloupe or sugarcane.
The Fuyu variety is non-astringent and can be consumed even when barely ripe.
The Hachlya, which is astringent, has to first ripen before it can be enjoyed.
The average Japanese persimmon measures approximately 21/2’ in diameter and weighs about 168g.
Persimmons can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or cooked.
In this article, we are going to share with you the health benefits of the persimmon fruit.
We are also going to share with you some of the side effects and risks.
Make sure you check out some of our other articles on your favorite fruits!
https://youtu.be/CWUb66C2eoE
They are delicious!
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Health benefits of the persimmon fruit
Nutrition Of The Persimmon Fruit
Persimmons are rich in magnesium, thiamin (B1), phosphorus, riboflavin (B2), and folate. They have a high fiber content and low calorie content.
Important nutritional facts per 168g (21/2”) serving are:
- Calories 118 (494 kJ)
- Protein 1.0g
- Vitamin A 55%
- Vitamin C 21%
- Vitamin E 6%
- Vitamin K 5%
- Vitamin B12 0%
- Thiamin 3%
- Folate 3%
- Niacin 1%
- Carbohydrates 31.2g
- Fat 0.3 g
- Calcium 1%
- Magnesium 4%
- Phosphorus 3%
- Potassium 8%
- Manganese 30%
- Cholesterol 0%
- Zinc 1%
- Iron 1%
- Sodium 0%
- Copper 9%
Health Benefits Of The Persimmon Fruit
One persimmon fruit is packed with plenty of nutrients to sustain the body.
It is packed with vitamin A, a good source for fetal development, immune function, and vision.
Besides the minerals and vitamins, persimmons are also rich in plant compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and tannins which are great for your health.
Some of the health benefits of persimmon fruits are:
- May help reduce inflammation
- Can help lower high cholesterol levels thanks to their high fiber content
- Helps strengthen the immune system
- Helps fight cancer since it is rich in antioxidants
- Improves vision
- This nutritious fruit comes in it contains a natural compound known as fisetin which can help promote brain health
- Helps reduce blood pressure thanks to the potassium content
- May reduce the risk of Osteoporosis
- May help increase energy levels thanks to the high potassium content
How Many Calories Does A Persimmon Fruit Have?
Persimmons are low in fat, with the average fruit containing only 0.3 grams of fat. The total calorie content for one fruit is 118.
Persimmon Fruit Harvesting
How to prepare Persimmons
Persimmons can be prepared in dishes in addition to being eaten fresh or dried.
It can be added to desserts such as pudding and custard or used as ice cream toppings
Persimmon Recipes
Persimmons can be used to make a variety of foods such as cakes, cookies, salads, spiced tea, and soup among others.
Mango Persimmon Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ cup of frozen mango pieces
- ½ ripe persimmon
- 1 teaspoon flax seeds
- ¼ teaspoon of any spice such as ground cinnamon
- 1 cup of milk
Preparation:
Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth then serve.
Persimmon Side Effects And Risks
Although rare, it is possible to get allergies from eating persimmons.
Look out for allergic reactions such as shortness of breath, dizziness, hives, or vomiting after eating the fruit. Consult a doctor.
Since it helps lower blood pressure, it is best not consumed by people with already low blood pressure.
Summary
The health benefits of the persimmon fruit are many. They are a great addition to your diet and bring a sweet touch to any salad or dessert.
It is very rare to have allergic reactions to persimmon fruit, but in case you do get any allergic symptoms after eating a persimmon fruit, contact your doctor or visit the nearest emergency room.
