It was late in life when I discovered persimmons. On the south east coast of Australia, autumn is the season for persimmons. Their bright orange colour and juicy flesh bring sweetness to the onset of shorter days, longer nights and cooler weather.
We have had so much rain during late summer and early autumn, many crops have faired badly this year. I have not seen a persimmon in any market; when I asked a couple of farmers they reported their criops failed this year. On Friday, as I passed a small organic market, I saw persimmons! I felt a surge of excitement and before I knew it, I was choosing several to bring home. I love them. They are sweet but not excessively so. Their flesh is the perfect balance between juicy and firm. They are radiant in colour. When they are good, they make me want to dance a little jig.
Enjoy fresh, ripe persimmons today!