Persimmons

[Querencia]

I have never seen persimmons so cheap---one-third to one-half of the usual price this year. Am enjoying a Persimmon Festival eating them out of hand (both hands at once) but I do wonder if I'm missing something. Does anyone have a good way of using them (other than just slurping them)?

[pagesinthesun]

I made this bread today and it is wonderful!

http://joythebaker.com/2008/11/persim...

[docfood]

You know, I find mixing a whole squishy persimmon with a bit of milk in the blender makes a wonderful, sweet, thick pudding. Its just amazing!

[pagesinthesun]

I'm new to persimmons. It's the first time I've ever bought them. I bought the Fuyu persimmons at first. I have eaten them out of hand. They were firm and reminded me of kiwi in a way. I finally found the hachiya persimmons and they are waayyy different! I would think this preparation would be a little slimy. I made a puree last night in prep for the quick bread. I wouldn't eat the puree alone. I need more experience with this fruit.

[docfood]

the milk thickens it up, its really amazing to see. Its a reaction to the milk when it is blended.

[Cheese Boy]

On the East coast the Fuyu are going for 2/$1. Freakin' more expensive than in previous years.

[Caitlin McGrath]

Hachiya persimmon pulp/puree is also good in quick breads (same way you'd use pumpkin or mashed bananas, etc.). Recommend not using a lot of spices, because they'll mask the persimmons' flavor.

I also like this steamed persimmon recipe posted by a CH user years ago: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/2906...

[ipsedixit]

You're obviously referring to Hachiay Persimmons (as opposed to Fuyus which are hard and apple-like in texture).

Aside from eating them straight-up, I use them in ice creams, as toppings for things like pound cake, reduced with a bit of wine for sauces on things like pork tenderloins, and one of my all-time favorites is persimmon gazpacho!

[free sample addict aka Tracy L]

Do you have a recipe for the persimmon gazpacho?

[ipsedixit]

Sure.

_________________

2 pounds tomatoes, roughly chopped
2 pounds of Hachiya pulp
1 medium red bell pepper, roughly chopped
½ red onion, roughly chopped
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
One ½-inch slice white bread, torn into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
2 garlic cloves
Salt and black pepper to taste

Blend all ingredients, add salt and pepper to taste, refrigerate overnight. Serve garnished with toasted almonds and/or wlanuts.

[free sample addict aka Tracy L]

thanks! I now know what I am bringing to Christmas dinner.