The genus name for the American Persimmon means "Fruit of the Gods". This is a reference to the delicious golden-orange fruits that often hang on the tree after the leaves drop in fall. It's fruits are about 1" in diameter.
When the fruit of this tree is ripe it is very sweet. If they are not fully ripe, your mouth will likely pucker from the bitter taste of tannic acid. Yet a ripe fruit is a very tasty treat. Native Americans relished them, and they are a popular food of the wild turkey, mockingbirds, deer, raccoons, foxes, squirrels, and other wildlife, we have plenty of those too. They can be made into pudding, preserves, beer, brandy and can be dried for winter eating. These trees are very common in Texas and can grow quite tall. An old saying is that the fruits are not good to eat until the first big frost, but this is not true. They are ripe and falling now and are quite tasty.
"Nevertheless HE left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness."
Acts 14:17
1 comment:
I'm still waiting for mine to get a little riper - still a bit sour. Mama absolutely loved these things & the one we planted for her (different variety from the wild ones) is aptly named "Lowral J. Persimmon" - It's big now & thriving.
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