Sweet, delicious persimmon fruits are rich in health promoting nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants that are vital for optimum health. Botanically, the fruit belongs to the family of Ebenaceae of the genus: Diospyros; scientifically named as Diospyros virginiana. 

This delicate oriental fruit is native of china. It spread to Japan very long ago and later was introduced to California during the middle of nineteenth century.
 Persimmon is a multi-trunked or single-stemmed deciduous tree, which grows up to 25 ft. in height. They grow best in areas that have moderate winters and relatively mild summers.

Persimmons trees are broadly classified into two general categories: those that bear "astringent fruit" until they are soft ripe and those that bear "non-astringent" fruits. An astringent cultivar, which is commonly cultivated in Japan known as “Hachiya” is high in tannins and must be allowed to ripen fully until to become jelly soft in consistency before it is fit to eat. A non-astringent persimmon, on the other hand, contains less tannin, can be eaten while it is crispy as in apples. Astringency can be removed by treating the fruit with carbon dioxide or alcohol.

During each season the tree bears, numerous fruits that vary by cultivar from spherical to heart to flattened or squash in shape. They also greatly vary in size from as little as a few ounces to more than a pound. The colour of the fruit varies from light yellow-orange to dark orange-red. The entire fruit is edible except for the seed and calyx.

Health benefits

Nutritional Value of Persimmons

The long list of health benefits that this interesting fruit can confer on people is due primarily to its very high vitamin and mineral content, as well as some unusual organic compounds. These include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin B6, as well as dietary fibre, manganese, copper, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorous. Its organic compounds are probably the most important parts, and they include catechins, gallocatechins, betulinic acid, and various carotenoid compounds that fall within the B complex of vitamins

Cancer Prevention: This delicious little fruits is packed with anti-cancer agents that can boost your body’s ability to fight free radicals. Free radicals are the by-products of cellular metabolism that can mutate healthy cells into cancerous ones and damage various organ systems. Antioxidants, which persimmons are packed with, seek out free radicals and eliminate them from the body, thereby improving overall health and protecting against a variety of diseases. Persimmons have high levels of vitamin C and vitamin A, as well as phenolic compounds like catechins and gallocatechins, which are directly connected to preventing various types of cancer. Therefore, adding persimmons to your diet can help you stay protected from various types of cancer.

Immune System: In a related quality to the antioxidant and cancer prevention properties of persimmons, they also boost the immune system considerably. Persimmons have one of the highest ascorbic acid (vitamin C) contents of any fruit, and a single persimmon has approximately 80% of the daily requirement of that beneficial nutrient. Vitamin C stimulates the immune system and increases the production of white blood cells, which are the primary line of defence for the body against microbial, viral, and fungal infections, as well as foreign bodies or toxins.

Digestion: Like most fruits, persimmons are a good source of fibre, containing almost 20% of the daily requirement in a single serving. Fibre helps the body process food in a more efficient way, by adding bulk to the stool, stimulating peristaltic motion to move the food through the digestive tract, increase secretions of gastric and digestive juices, and relieve symptoms of constipation and diarrhoea. Overall, a high-fibre fruit like persimmons can be a major boost to your gastrointestinal system, and can protect you from colorectal cancer and other similar diseases. It can also help people lose weight by defending against lipid uptake, which can cause obesity.

Anti-Tumour Properties: Along with the antioxidant properties that reduce the chances of cancer, you can also lower your health risks of developing tumours. Persimmons contain betulinic acid, which is a proven anti-tumour compound. This can reduce the chances of contracting tumours by inducing apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, and if you already have a tumour, it can reduce the size and stop the cancer from metastasizing.

Anti-Aging Properties: Persimmons are rich in a number of vitamins, specifically vitamin A, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and cryptoxanthins. These can all function as antioxidants in the body as well, specifically to reduce oxidative stress and prevent signs of premature aging, like wrinkles, age spots, Alzheimer’s disease, fatigue, loss of vision, muscles weakness, and a number of other conditions.

Eye Health: Some of the compounds in persimmons also have a proven benefit for the health of your eyes! Zeaxanthin, a member of the B complex of vitamins, is directly linked to improved eye health due to its behaviour as an antioxidant substance. Studies show that it reduces macular degeneration, cataracts, and night blindness.

Blood Pressure: Potassium is another of the minerals found in significant quantities in persimmons. Potassium can act as a vasodilator and lower blood pressure, thereby increasing blood flow to various parts of the body. Low blood pressure also reduces strain on the cardiovascular system and prevents various heart diseases from occurring. Persimmons also contain various vasodilating organic compounds that further drop blood pressure, making it a very good fruit for heart health.

Blood Circulation: Along with lower blood pressure, persimmons also provide copper, an essential element in creating new red blood cells. Without copper, you cannot uptake carious essential nutrients to make additional haemoglobin. Increased circulation of healthy red blood cells increases cognitive function, muscle tone, metabolism, and energy levels, as well as wound repair and cellular growth.

Metabolic Activity: Persimmons contain elements of the B complex of vitamins like pyridoxine, folic acid, and thiamin, which are all essential parts of various enzymatic processes and metabolic functions throughout the body, so keeping high levels maintained means that your body’s systems will function efficiently and effectively, thereby increasing your overall metabolism. This can boost energy levels, increase muscle tone, improve digestion, and boost the immune system.

A Few Words of Warning: It does lower blood pressure significantly, so if you are hypotensive, it can be dangerous. Other than that, enjoy these delectable fruits and the health benefits they will confer on you!