Persimmons: The Sweet and Sensational Fall Fruit Delight!
Experience the return of Persimmons to the Chico Certified Farmer’s Market! You can find them at various stalls, including Julia’s Fruit Stand, Kaki Farms, and more. These delightful winter fruits are in season only until January, so seize the opportunity to savor them!
One of the most popular things to do with Hachiya persimmons is making Hoshigaki. Hoshigaki are a Japanese treat made with Hachiya persimmons that have been dried for a period of weeks until they become highly tender and very sweet. The process is a little labor intensive and long, but it completely transforms their texture and concentrates their flavor, resulting in something so special it makes them worth the wait. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to hang dry Hachiya persimmons:
Ingredients and Equipment:
- Ripe Hachiya persimmons
- String or twine
- Large sewing needle or skewer
- A well-ventilated, dry area
Instructions:
- Select Ripe Persimmons: Start by choosing ripe Hachiya persimmons. They should be extremely soft and almost jelly-like when you gently squeeze them. The skin may have a slightly wrinkled appearance.
- Wash and Prep: Wash the persimmons thoroughly. Remove the calyx (the green stem) at the top, which may still be attached.
- Pierce and String: Use a large sewing needle or skewer to pierce the persimmons near the top (where the calyx was) and string them onto a piece of twine or string. Leave some space between each persimmon, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
- Knot or Tie: After threading all the persimmons onto the string, tie a knot or secure them in place, leaving enough space to hang the string.
- Choose a Drying Location: Find a well-ventilated, dry area to hang the strung persimmons. Ideally, this spot should have good air circulation and low humidity. An airy room or a covered porch can work well.
- Hang the Persimmons: Hang the strung persimmons in the chosen location. Make sure they have enough space to hang freely without touching walls or other objects. You can use hooks, nails, or any suitable hanging apparatus.
- Allow to Dry: Leave the persimmons to air-dry for several weeks to a few months, depending on your desired level of drying. They will naturally darken in color and firm up as they dry. The time required for drying depends on the temperature, humidity, and the initial moisture content of the persimmons.
- Check for Readiness: To check if the persimmons are ready, press one gently. If it feels firm and has a leathery texture, it’s likely done. It should have a chewy consistency, not soft like a fresh persimmon. If you prefer a very dry result, you can leave them longer.
- Store Properly: Once they reach the desired level of dryness, remove the persimmons from the string and store them in an airtight container or a cool, dark place. They can be enjoyed as a sweet and chewy treat or used in various recipes.
Remember that patience is key when hang-drying persimmons. The drying time may vary depending on your specific drying conditions, so periodic checks will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor you desire.
