Written by 8:43 pm Mediterranean Diet & Nutrition • 21 Comments

Persimmons – Nutrition & Health Benefits

The Persimmon is a nutritional powerhouse, full of cancer fighting properties and many health benefits, but what are they and how do you eat them?

health benefits persimmons

The Persimmon is a nutritional powerhouse, but what are the health benefits of persimmons and how do you eat them?


What is a Persimmon?

There are so many fresh fruits and vegetables that I find intimidating. Either I’ve never had them or I am not sure how to go about cooking/serving them.

Persimmons are one of those fruits. They are all the rage right now on social media, mainly because this is the peak of their season. I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve ever had one and certainly don’t know how to use them in cooking.

So, in an effort to try new things, I geeked out and did about 3 hours of research on all things persimmons last week.

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An orange-reddish colored  fruit that is native to China. The majority of persimmons are grown in California. The two most common types are:

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Fuyu – orange in color and squat like a tomato. They will be firm, ripe and ready to eat once you buy them. Store in the coldest part of the fridge and they will keep for weeks.

Hachiya – more acorn shaped with a darker, burnt orange skin. They need to sit on the counter for several days to soften before eating. They are best when ripe and very soft, otherwise they can be very astringent in flavor. Once ripe, store in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks.

They are currently in season and will remain in stores until mid-January.

How Do You Eat a Persimmon?

The skin is typically thin, making it perfectly edible.

You can slice a persimmon in half and eat raw or use a spoon if overripe.

They make great additions to salads, puddings, cakes, pies and taste great raw, roasted, baked or broiled.

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Health Benefits of Persimmons

Persimmons are rich in Vitamin A, C, E, B16, dietary fiber, manganese, copper, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus.

In addition to aiding in digestion and immunity boosting properties, the nutrients found in persimmons can also assist in –

Cancer fighting and prevention

  • High in antioxidants, which can help prevent the formation of free radicals that can lead to cancer
  • Persimmons also contain Betulinic Acid, which is a anti-tumor developing compound

Blood Pressure Control & Regulate Circulation

  • Potassium can act as a “vasodilator”, which means widening of the blood vessels which can help lower blood pressure
  • Copper is required to create new red blood cells and uptake various nutrients required to make additional hemoglobin in the body
  • Increasing circulation of healthy red blood cells can help increase cognitive function, muscle tone and energy levels

Anti-Aging Properties

  • Vitamin A, Beta-Carotene and Lutein are found in persimmons
  • These vitamins are antioxidants which can help reduce oxidative stress and prevent signs of aging like wrinkles and age spots
  • These vitamins also assist in preventing vision loss
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My Two Favorite Persimmon Recipes

Resources…
Nutritional Value of Persimmon Fruit
USDA National Nutrient Database
Food and Nutrition Magazine
Betulinic Acid for Cancer Treatment and Prevention
Controlling Blood Pressure without medication from Mayo Clinic

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