Description
The common persimmon is a small tree that grows 30-60 feet high. It has a short skinny trunk with alternate dark green leaves and tiny flowers. The dark brown or dark grey back has plates with scaly surfaces. The orange-yellow, 1-3 inches fruits are produced on short stalks. They are round or oval and have several seeds.
Where To Find
The persimmon prefer sandy soil that is well drained. It is found in forest margins in Africa, eastern North America as well as the Far East.
What And How To Eat
The edible parts are the fruits and leaves. The unripe fruit is highly astringent and not edible. Ripe fruits can be eaten raw or baked and the seeds roasted. Dry leaves can be used to make tea.
Warning: Unripe persimmons are strongly astringent and not edible. Some people may not be able to digest persimmon pulp.
Medicinal Use
A decoction of the unripe fruit is used in treating bloody stools. An extract of the inner back is also used as a remedy for mouth ulcers, sore throats and thrush.