Persimmon When To Pick

So, you've got a persimmon tree, huh? Or maybe you're just curious about these sweet little gems. Either way, you're in the right place. Let's chat about when to pick these babies, yeah?

First things first: Know your variety

There are two main types of persimmons: Fuyu and Astringent (like Hachiya). Fuyus are like the easy-going friends, ready to party anytime. Astringents, on the other hand, are a bit more... particular. They need to be just right before they're ready.

Fuyu: The party animal

Fuyus are non-astringent, which means they're ready to eat as soon as they're ripe. How do you know when that is? Well, my friend, it's all about the feel. Give it a gentle squeeze. If it gives a little, like a ripe peach, it's ready to go. But be careful, squeeze too hard and you might bruise it. Nobody likes a bruised fruit, am I right?

Now, here's a little trick: Fuyus are ready to pick when they're a nice, warm color. Think of it like a sunset - the more orange, the better. But remember, they don't all turn color at once, so you'll need to check them regularly.

Astringent: The picky one

Astringents, like Hachiya, need to be just so before they're ready. You see, they're astringent when they're underripe, which means they'll make your mouth all puckery. Not fun. So, we want to avoid that.

Here's how you know they're ready: They'll be soft to the touch, like a ripe avocado. But unlike Fuyus, they won't be all colorful. They'll still be mostly green. And when you pick them, they'll be slightly sticky to the touch. That's the magic of nature, folks!

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Now, let's talk timing

Persimmons are typically ready to pick from fall to early winter, depending on where you live. But remember, the weather can affect ripening times. A warm fall might mean earlier pickings, while a cool one could delay things.

Here's a little secret: Persimmons will continue to ripen off the tree. So, if you pick them when they're almost ready, they'll be perfect in a few days. Just store them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. But hey, don't leave them too long or they'll over-ripen and get all mushy. Nobody wants that.

And finally, a word on storage

Once your persimmons are picked and ripe, you can store them in the fridge. They'll keep for a few weeks, maybe even longer. But remember, they're delicate, so handle with care. And for goodness' sake, don't store them with apples or pears. They'll ripen too fast and you'll end up with a fruit salad you didn't ask for.

So there you have it, folks. Picking persimmons isn't rocket science, but it does take a little know-how. Now get out there and pick those babies. Your taste buds will thank you!