Serving Persimmon Fruits at Christmas: A Festive Delight

Christmas is a time for indulgence, celebration, and creating memorable experiences around food. 

While traditional treats like mince pies, Christmas pudding, and mulled wine often take centre stage, introducing persimmon fruits to your festive table can add a unique and exotic touch to your celebrations.

What Are Persimmons?

Persimmons, often referred to as the "fruit of the gods," are vibrant orange fruits that originate from East Asia. Their sweet, honeyed flavour and smooth texture make them a delightful addition to both savoury and sweet dishes. There are two main varieties to look out for:

Hachiya Persimmons: These are best enjoyed when fully ripe, with a soft, jelly-like interior.

Fuyu Persimmons: These are firmer and can be eaten like an apple, even when slightly under-ripe.

Why Include Persimmons at Christmas?

Persimmons bring a pop of colour and a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich, spiced flavours of Christmas. Their versatility means they can be used in everything from salads to desserts, making them a perfect addition to your festive spread.

How to Serve Persimmons This Christmas

1. As a Festive Centrepiece

Arrange whole persimmons in a decorative bowl alongside pinecones, holly, and fairy lights for a rustic yet elegant table centrepiece. Their rich orange hue complements the reds and greens of traditional Christmas décor.

2. In Salads

Add sliced Fuyu persimmons to a winter salad with rocket, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The sweetness of the persimmons balances the peppery greens and tart pomegranate, creating a refreshing starter or side dish.

3. On a Cheese Board

Persimmons pair wonderfully with cheeses like brie, blue cheese, or aged cheddar. Thinly slice the fruit and serve alongside nuts, dried fruits, and crackers for a festive cheeseboard that feels indulgent yet light.

4. In Desserts

Transform ripe Hachiya persimmons into a silky purée and use it as a base for desserts. Consider these ideas:

Persimmon Pavlova: Top a meringue base with whipped cream, persimmon purée, and a sprinkling of cinnamon.

Persimmon Trifle: Layer sponge cake, custard, and persimmon purée in a glass dish for a show-stopping dessert.

Persimmon Sorbet: Blend ripe persimmons with a touch of honey and freeze for a refreshing palate cleanser.

5. In Drinks

Persimmons can even make their way into your Christmas cocktails. Blend persimmon purée with prosecco for a seasonal twist on a bellini, or infuse slices of the fruit into your mulled wine for a hint of sweetness.

Tips for Choosing and Storing Persimmons

Look for fruits with a vibrant orange colour and smooth skin.

Hachiya persimmons should feel soft to the touch when ripe, while Fuyu persimmons can be eaten when firm.

Store them at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerate to extend their shelf life.

A New Christmas Tradition

Serving persimmons at Christmas not only introduces a new flavour to your festive table but also adds a touch of elegance and creativity to your celebrations. Whether you use them in a dish, as part of your décor, or as a conversation starter, persimmons are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

This year, let the "fruit of the gods" grace your Christmas table and make your celebrations even more special!