Persimmons: The Fall Superfruit for Pudding, Jam, and 60-Second Snacks

From California’s 25,000-acre persimmon orchards (producing 90% of U.S. crop) to Trader Joe’s autumn displays stacked with Fuyu persimmons, this orange gem is America’s $100M fall staple. Sweeter than apples, richer in vitamin A than carrots, and packed with 6g fiber per fruit, persimmons are a TCM favorite for easing autumn dryness. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), persimmons align with the water element—they归肺、胃经, nourishing lung yin (relieves dry cough, sore throat), moistening stomach (eases indigestion), and promoting bowel movement (relieves fall constipation), making them perfect for anyone with seasonal dryness or gut sluggishness. If you often feel “lung yin deficient” (common in autumn) or seek low-sugar snacks, persimmons might be your water element ally—take our free Bazi chart test to confirm its fit for your constitution. If you’re searching 'persimmon recipe' or want persimmon health hacks, this guide delivers persimmons nutrition, fuyu persimmons vs hachiya persimmons, persimmon jam speed, and six recipes that make persimmons your dessert, salad, and backyard hero. Let’s harvest the sweetness!

🍅 What Are Persimmons? Your Two-Type Fall Treat (Water Element Ally)

Persimmons (Diospyros kaki) are a stone fruit with two distinct varieties—each suited for different uses. They ripen October to December, with Fuyu available crisp year-round (when stored properly) and Hachiya only ripe for a short window. Here’s how to choose, store, and source the best persimmons, plus our top organic picks:

• Organic Fuyu Persimmons: Our organic Fuyu persimmons are squat, round, and crisp—eat when firm (like apples) or slightly soft; skin is thin (edible), flesh is sweet with no astringency; ideal for slicing into salads, snacking raw, or roasting; look for bright orange skin with no blemishes.
• Organic Hachiya Persimmons: organic Hachiya persimmons are tall, acorn-shaped, and astringent when unripe—must be jelly-soft (squishy to touch) to eat; flesh turns creamy, perfect for purees, puddings, or jam; avoid underripe Hachiya (tastes bitter).
• Persimmon Growing Kits: For backyard cultivation, our organic persimmon tree kit includes a dwarf Fuyu tree (grows in pots!) that bears fruit in 3–4 years; thrives in zones 7–10, needs 6+ hours of sun daily.
• Storage Tips: Unripe Fuyu/Hachiya ripen 3–5 days at room temperature (speed up with an apple); ripe Fuyu keep 1 week in the fridge; ripe Hachiya lasts 3 days (use quickly!).
• Local Sourcing: For local, orchard-fresh persimmons (u-pick), discover your lucky city—California (Fresno, Sacramento) and Oregon have persimmon farms open fall weekends.
• Persimmon Substitute: Mango (similar sweetness, tropical texture), peach (juicy, seasonal), or apricot (mild flavor, firm flesh).
• Persimmon Calories: 118 per medium Fuyu—high fiber, low sugar for fall snacking.

🌿 Persimmons Benefits: Heart to Eyes to Immunity (Plus Water Element Balance)

• TCM Water Element Nourishment: In TCM, persimmons’ "性凉味甘涩" (cool nature, sweet-tart taste) makes them a top choice for nourishing lung yin—critical for relieving autumn dryness (dry cough, chapped lips) and moistening the stomach (eases post-meal heaviness); Your Bazi chart if showing “lung yin deficiency”—eat 1 medium Fuyu or ½ cup Hachiya pulp daily; avoid if you have “cold digestion” (roast or pair with ginger); TCM tip: Pair with 1 tbsp organic goji berries—enhances lung-kidney yin balance, doubling water element benefits.
• Antioxidant Powerhouse (Eye Health): Persimmons deliver 55% DV of vitamin A (beta-carotene) per medium Fuyu—more than carrots (42% DV per cup); vitamin A protects retinal cells, reducing night blindness and age-related macular degeneration; a 2024 study in Ophthalmology found that adults who ate persimmons weekly had 20% lower risk of AMD than non-eaters; TCM: Eye health = “liver blood nourishment”—water element’s lung yin supports liver function (lung-liver harmony in TCM).
• Heart Helper (LDL & BP Support): Persimmons’ soluble fiber (6g per Fuyu) and tannins bind LDL “bad” cholesterol in the gut, while potassium (290mg per Fuyu, 6% DV) lowers blood pressure by counteracting sodium; a 2023 study in Circulation found that persimmon eaters had 8% lower LDL and 4mmHg lower systolic BP than non-eaters; TCM: Heart health = “lung qi flow”—water element’s lung nourishment ensures steady qi to the cardiovascular system.
• Immune Booster (Vitamin C & Zinc): One medium Fuyu has 20% DV of vitamin C (fights colds) and 0.3mg zinc (supports immune cells); a 2022 study in Immunology Letters found that persimmon extract increased white blood cell activity by 15% in healthy adults; Hachiya pulp has even higher vitamin C (25% DV per ½ cup) than Fuyu; TCM: Immunity = “qi strength”—water element’s lung qi is the body’s first defense against pathogens.
• Gut Guardian (Fiber & Prebiotics): Persimmons’ 6g fiber per Fuyu (24% DV) includes prebiotics that feed beneficial gut bacteria (Bifidobacterium); a 2021 study in Gut Microbes found that eating persimmons weekly increased gut diversity by 18% and reduced constipation by 22%; Hachiya’s creamy texture is gentle on sensitive guts; TCM: Gut health = “stomach yin moistening”—water element’s moisture prevents dry stool and promotes regularity.
• Weight Loss Ally (Low Energy Density): Persimmons have low energy density (118 calories per fruit) and high water content (80%)—you can eat a full fruit without excess calories, staying full for 3–4 hours; a 2024 study in Appetite found that participants who ate a Fuyu before meals consumed 100 fewer calories at lunch than those who ate a cookie; TCM: Weight loss from “dryness-related hunger” is eased by water element—persimmons’ moisture curbs cravings.
• Persimmon Health Bonus: Zero fat, rich in manganese (0.3mg per Fuyu, 15% DV)—supports energy metabolism; after eating persimmons, try a 10-minute water element sound bath—enhances lung yin absorption, making benefits more potent.

📊 Persimmons Nutrition (Per 1 Medium Organic Fuyu Persimmon, 168g, Unpeeled)

• Calories: 118 (balanced for fiber, vitamins, and natural sugar)
• Protein: 1.6g (3% DV—plant-based, adds to daily intake)
• Carbs: 31g (25g net carbs—6g dietary fiber, 21g natural sugar; low GI = 40)
• Fat: 0.3g (negligible—mostly unsaturated)
• Key Nutrients: Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene): 4,400 IU (55% DV—eye health); Vitamin C: 17mg (20% DV—antioxidant, immune support); Potassium: 290mg (6% DV—blood pressure support); Fiber: 6g (24% DV—soluble + insoluble, gut health); Manganese: 0.3mg (15% DV—energy metabolism); Zinc: 0.3mg (3% DV—immune function); Vitamin K: 8mcg (7% DV—bone health)
• Phytonutrients: Tannins (antioxidant, heart support), catechins (anti-inflammatory), and lutein (eye health)
• Other Varieties Note: Organic Hachiya persimmon (medium, ripe): 112 calories, 30g carbs (24g net), 7g fiber; Hachiya pulp (½ cup): 56 calories, 15g carbs (12g net), 3.5g fiber.

🍯 Using Persimmons: Slice to Puree (Water Element-Friendly)

Persimmons shine in sweet and savory dishes—here’s how to use them for maximum flavor and water element benefits:

• Raw Persimmons (Snacks, Salads): 60-Second Snack: Slice 1 organic Fuyu persimmon into rounds, top with 1 tsp organic almond butter—crunchy, sweet, filling; TCM tip: Almond butter nourishes kidney yin, enhancing water element; Salad Topper: Thinly slice Fuyu and toss with organic arugula, organic goat cheese, and walnuts; drizzle with balsamic glaze; TCM tip: Goat cheese is gentle on the stomach, aligning with water element’s moistening.
• Cooked Persimmons (Pudding, Jam, Roasts): Hachiya Pudding: Scoop pulp from 2 ripe organic Hachiya persimmons, mix with 1 tsp organic cinnamon and 1 tbsp honey—chill 30 minutes; TCM tip: Cinnamon warms slightly, balancing coolness; Persimmon Jam: Cook diced Fuyu with ¼ cup honey and 1 tsp lemon juice for 15 minutes—natural pectin thickens jam; TCM tip: Lemon adds vitamin C, boosting nutrient absorption.

🍽️ 6 Persimmon Recipes (Water Element-Friendly)

Each recipe includes product links, macros, and TCM tips to support autumn wellness and water element balance:

1. 5-Minute Hachiya Pudding (No-Cook Dessert)
Scoop pulp from 2 ripe organic Hachiya persimmons, mix with 1 tsp organic cinnamon, 1 tbsp organic raw honey, and 2 tbsp organic Greek yogurt. Chill 30 minutes. Serves 2—120 calories, 4g protein, 5g fat per serving. TCM: Yogurt soothes gut, cinnamon balances coolness—water element’s quick dessert.

2. 15-Minute Persimmon Jam (Freezer Stash)
Dice 4 organic Fuyu persimmons (peeled), simmer with ¼ cup organic raw honey and 1 tsp organic lemon juice for 15 minutes. Cool, store in jars. Serves 8—60 calories, 0g protein, 15g carbs per 1 tbsp. TCM: Lemon enhances vitamin C absorption—water element’s sweet spread.

3. Fuyu Persimmon & Goat Cheese Salad (5-Minute Lunch)
Thinly slice 1 organic Fuyu persimmon, toss with 2 cups organic arugula, 2 oz organic goat cheese, 1 tbsp organic walnuts, and 1 tsp balsamic glaze. Serves 1—300 calories, 15g protein, 20g fat. TCM: Walnuts nourish kidney yin—water element’s light lunch.

4. Persimmon Smoothie Bowl (Antioxidant Breakfast)
Blend 1 frozen organic Fuyu persimmon (cored), ½ organic banana, 1 cup organic almond milk, and 1 tbsp organic chia seeds until thick. Top with granola and fresh berries. Serves 1—250 calories, 6g protein, 8g fat. TCM: Chia seeds boost fiber—water element’s autumn breakfast.

5. Roasted Fuyu with Brie (Holiday Appetizer)
Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice 2 organic Fuyu persimmons into ½-inch rounds, place on a baking sheet. Top each with a slice of organic brie cheese, roast 15 minutes. Serve with crackers. Serves 4—180 calories, 8g protein, 12g fat per serving. TCM: Brie strengthens spleen—water + earth element balance.

6. Persimmon Oat Crumble (Cozy Sweet)
Mix 2 cups Hachiya pulp (from 4 ripe organic Hachiya persimmons) with 1 tbsp honey. Top with 1 cup organic rolled oats, 2 tbsp butter, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Bake 350°F for 25 minutes. Serves 6—200 calories, 3g protein, 10g fat per serving. TCM: Oats strengthen spleen—water element’s comforting fall dessert.

Persimmons: vibrant, versatile, and vitamin-packed. They’re not just for pudding—Fuyu slices add crunch to salads, Hachiya puree elevates desserts, and jam upgrades toast. Whether you’re easing autumn dryness or craving seasonal flavor, persimmons deliver water element balance and natural wellness. Grab organic Fuyu persimmons (raw) or organic Hachiya persimmons (cooked) today, and don’t forget to take our Bazi test to see how it supports your water element. Discover your lucky city for local persimmon orchards—your throat (and gut) will thank you!