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Persimmons: The Midwest's Hidden Fall Treasure

Hey there, fellow foragers and food enthusiasts! It's that time of the year again when the trees start to paint themselves in shades of orange and yellow, and our favorite wild fruit, the persimmon, makes its grand appearance in the Midwest. If you're ready to embark on a persimmon-picking adventure and explore the magic of this delightful fruit, you've come to the right place!



Persimmons: Nature's Autumn Candy

First things first, let's talk about persimmons. These little gems are the unsung heroes of fall foraging. Often overlooked, they deserve a spot on your seasonal menu. They come in two main varieties: American (Diospyros virginiana) and Asian (Diospyros kaki). While you can find both in the Midwest, the American persimmon is more common in the region. If you would like to consult a guide, the Wild Berries & Fruits Field Guide of Indiana is a fabulous resource.


Where to Find Persimmons in the Midwest

The Midwest offers a goldmine of persimmon trees scattered across woodlands, parks, and even some urban areas. When you're out on your persimmon quest, keep an eye out for these fruit-bearing trees in:

  1. Wooded Areas: Explore wooded areas, nature reserves, and hiking trails, especially near riverbanks. Persimmon trees love to grow in well-drained soil, often close to water sources.

  2. Parks and Green Spaces: Don't forget to check out local parks, golf courses, and green spaces. These urban oases can be surprising hotspots for persimmon trees.

  3. Old Farms and Abandoned Orchards: Sometimes, the best persimmon trees are found in abandoned orchards or old farmsteads. Seek out those hidden gems from days gone by.

  4. Ask the Locals: Don't be afraid to ask locals or fellow foragers for tips on where to find persimmon trees. They might just share their secret spots!


When to Harvest Persimmons

Timing is everything when it comes to persimmons. If you pick them too early, you'll be met with an astringent, mouth-puckering experience that you won't forget in a hurry! However, if you wait too long, you might find yourself in a race with the local wildlife to snag the ripe ones.

So, when should you harvest persimmons? The magic window is usually from late September to early November, depending on your location. Look for fruits that are fully orange, almost like mini pumpkins, and have a slight give when gently pressed.


Delicious Persimmon Recipes

Now that you've successfully foraged a basketful of persimmons, it's time to whip up some scrumptious dishes. Here are a couple of delightful persimmon recipes to tickle your taste buds:

1. Persimmon Pudding:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups ripe persimmon pulp

  • 2 cups sugar

  • 2 cups milk

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • A pinch of salt

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg

  • ½ cup melted butter

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together persimmon pulp, sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.

  3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.

  5. Finally, stir in the melted butter.

  6. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  7. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

2. Persimmon Salsa:

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe persimmons, diced

  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped

  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • Juice of 2 limes

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine diced persimmons, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.

  2. Drizzle lime juice over the mixture and gently toss to combine.

  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

  5. Enjoy with tortilla chips or as a vibrant topping for grilled chicken or fish!

There you have it, folks! Persimmons are the Midwest's best-kept fall secret, and now it's time to go out and discover their incredible flavor and versatility. Whether you're baking up a storm or creating zesty salsas, these spunky little fruits are sure to brighten up your autumn adventures. So, grab your basket and let the persimmon-hunting begin! Happy foraging and feasting! 🍂🍊


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