Fruit of the Month: Fuyu Persimmons
November is when fall harvest season truly hits its stride. Our baskets are filled with crisp apples, juicy citrus, and sweet pears, plus one seasonal standout that appears in every basket we deliver this month: the Fuyu persimmon.
What Is a Fuyu Persimmon?
The Fuyu persimmon is orange and a bit squat, like an heirloom tomato. It can be eaten like an apple, either sliced into wedges or simply eaten out of hand. Even though the skin is firmer than an apple's, it's edible too (a great way to boost fiber and nutrients!). Fuyus taste mild and sweet, and many people pick up a note of brown sugar or honey.
Persimmons come in two main types. The Hachiya has a distinctive acorn shape and needs time to ripen until its flesh reaches a silky-soft, gel-like texture. Fuyus, on the other hand, can be enjoyed while still firm and crisp. That's why we love including them in our office fruit boxes. They're easy to eat, require little preparation, and make a great addition to the breakroom.
Where Do Our Fuyu Persimmons Come From?
Every Fuyu persimmon in our baskets this month is grown right here in California. The state's warm, sunny climate is well suited to persimmons, giving them plenty of time to develop their signature color and sweetness.
Fuyu season runs from fall into early winter, so now is the perfect time to enjoy them. Choosing California-grown fruit means a shorter trip from the farm to your breakroom and more support for local growers.
How Do You Pick and Store Fuyu Persimmons?
Look for persimmons with deep orange color, smooth skin, and a fresh green leafy cap. They should feel firm with just a little give.
Store Fuyus at room temperature if you prefer a softer texture or refrigerate them to help maintain their firmness and extend their shelf life. Whether you prefer them crisp or slightly soft is entirely up to you.
How Are Fuyu Persimmons Best Enjoyed?
Fuyus are one of the easiest fruits to enjoy. Simply wash, remove the leafy cap, and bite right in. The skin is edible, so there's no need to peel.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy them in the office:
- Sliced into wedges for a quick, crunchy snack
- Diced over yogurt or oatmeal
- Tossed into a fall salad with leafy greens
- Arranged on a fruit platter for your next team meeting
Fun Facts
- Botanically speaking, persimmons are classified as berries.
- In late fall, persimmon trees drop their leaves but hold onto their fruit, leaving bare branches dotted with bright orange persimmons like holiday ornaments.
More Seasonal Fruits in this Month’s Baskets
Fuyu persimmons aren't the only fall favorites making an appearance in November! Here's a taste of a few more seasonal fruits you'll find across our baskets this month:
- California citrus: Satsumas, Navels, and Cara Caras, with grapefruit joining our Organic Basket
- Northwest apples and pears: Galas, Honeycrisps, Fujis, and Granny Smiths from Washington, plus D'Anjous, Boscs, and Starkrimsons from Washington and Oregon
- California Asian pears: crisp, juicy, and refreshingly sweet
Weekly menus vary, so your basket may look a little different from week to week.
Curious about bringing seasonal fruit to your workplace? Visit sigonasoffice.com to explore our baskets, and stay tuned for next month's Fruit of the Month.
