Fall Favorites: Fuyu & Hachiya Persimmons

Bletting & More Variety Knowledge

Most shoppers have a favorite fall fruit. Apples and pears abound, but for the discerning eater, only a persimmon will do. 

First cultivated in China over 2000 years ago, persimmons have long been popular amongst eaters in Northeast Asia before being introduced to Europe and North and South America in the 1800s. Though numerous varieties exist within the genus, the two most commonly grown and enjoyed by North Americans are Fuyu and Hachiya. 

Curious eaters benefit from a bit of education about both varieties to best enjoy them before becoming life-long permission enthusiasts.  Be sure to encourage shoppers to experiment with both Fuyu and Hachiya to find their favorite for fresh eating and baking!

Hachiya

Elongated and oval-shaped with distinct shoulders that taper to a narrow tip, organic Hachiya persimmons are easily distinguished from the Fuyu variety. Hachiya is one of a few fruits that go through a process called bletting. As fruit blets, the natural sugars increase and tannins and acid decrease transforming the fruit into something edible and sweet. Highly tannic before bletted, eaters should wait until Hachiya’s flesh is soft when squeezed, and this fruit’s skin has become translucent and begins to wrinkle. Once ready to eat, the flesh is custard-like with a deeply sweet, honeyed flavor. Delicious eaten on its own, spooned over yogurt or ice cream, and even baked into a sweet bread,s this is a unique treat for fall fruit lovers!

Fuyu

Shaped like squat mini pumpkins and with lovely orange skin and flesh, organic Fuyu is a great persimmon for first-time eaters. Mild in flavor with notes of brown sugar, cinnamon, dates and pears, Fuyu lacks the tannins that make other varieties too astringent to eat before fully bletted. This means that eaters can enjoy Fuyu whether firm and crisp or as it softens over time. Eaten fresh-out-of-hand, sliced into salads, featured on a cheese board or incorporated into baked goods, Fuyu persimmons are easy to love!

Create some excitement in fall fruit displays with Fuyu and Hachiya persimmons! Contact your Account Representative to include both in your next order.