The Percinnamon Persimmon

[Jenise]

Anyone see these? They are acorn shaped like the classic Hachiya, but they eat well firm like the little donut shaped Fuyu, aka Sharon fruit in some parts of the world. Per the glib promises on the packaging (five to a bag at Trader Joe's and other conventional markets right now), they will amaze you with their cinnamon flavor.

Well, I call BS.

As a persimmon lover, I couldn't wait to try these but was disappointed. It tastes all right--just like a persimmon. It doesn't have even a faint flavor of cinnamon--unless all persimmons do, and I've never thought so--and the first one we ate was what Bob called woody and I would simply call dry. After eating one, we then ate a classic Fuyu. It was firm but creamy by comparison, not juicy but moist, and more intensely flavored. The only advantage of the former, if it's an advantage at all, is that the skin isn't as leathery as the Fuyu's. Maybe the Percinnamon guys need to sit out and ripen a bit--I'll find out if that helps and report back, but my first taste sure had me wondering "Why?" It appears someone fixed what ain't broke.

I don't know about this brand/specific variety, but I can see how cinnamon would be considered a flavor element of persimmon. But I can also see how it would not be considered a flavor element of persimmon. And I certainly wouldn't use that as the hook for a new company.

What do I know.

[Jenise]

A second one left on the counter to ripen for two days was definitely better than the first one we tried. But again, not superior to a Fuyu.

Rahsaan, re the cinnamon thing: a friend makes a magnificent persimmon steamed pudding for Christmas each year. Lots of cinnamon involved there so if I close my eyes and try real hard, I can imagine cinnamon in my fruit. But the truth is I don't actually taste it vs. tasting something that would be/is a compatible seasoning.

Cinnamon persimmons show up here during the later part of the persimmon season. They're more expensive than the typical Fuyus, running around $2/lb as opposed to $1/lb. I've bought them a couple of times and they seem pretty much like the regular Fuyus. Certainly not worth the extra cost. I believe we also see "chocolate persimmons" around here once in a while, but I haven't tried them.

It's sad to see the Fuyu season ending. We buy around 4 pounds a week and my daughter eats most of them. Delicious things.

I believe we also see "chocolate persimmons" around here once in a while, but I haven't tried them.

Is that an actual variety of persimmon? With black/brown flesh?

I've been ordering black sapote from Florida, and it often gets called 'chocolate pudding fruit'. In my view that is an exaggeration flavor-wise, but I do love the texture and the flavor is also pretty nice.

[Jenise]

Your persimmon prices are astonishing. Up here, fuyus run about 80 cents EACH.

Ate a third Percinnamon, this one had been on the sill ripening but it was as flat as the first one, so obviously this isn't helping.

Your persimmon prices are astonishing. Up here, fuyus run about 80 cents EACH.

For here that is not bad, depending on the size.

At the farmer's market they are anywhere from $1 to $3, depending on size.

But at Whole Foods they are $2.50 for the small ones, which would be $1/$1.50 at the farmers market, and when you buy as much fruit as I do, that differential quickly adds up. Not to mention the fact that the WF ones are not local. But, I still buy them occasionally during the season depending on what else is going on, because I like fruit and I need some variety.

Your persimmon prices are astonishing. Up here, fuyus run about 80 cents EACH.

Ate a third Percinnamon, this one had been on the sill ripening but it was as flat as the first one, so obviously this isn't helping.

The Sacramento Valley is awash in persimmons when they're in season. The $1/lb price is what we've paid at the farmers' markets the last couple of years. We've found them even cheaper on a couple of occasions if bought in 5 lb. bags. One day last month, my wife picked up something like 8 lbs at the market just before some friends with a tree brought another 5 lb. by. I think there were maybe two or three that survived to get old enough that we had to toss them.

Rahsaan - I've not tried the chocolate persimmons but they look like regular fuyus with some brown areas on the skin. Not sure what they're like when you bite into one. Here's a nice article on them.