Expert: Carol Schlitt - 12/9/2006

Question
How would I go about drying a whole persimmon? I saw a picture of one on Wikipedia, but it didn't give instructions on how to do it.

What do you think?

Thanks.  

Answer
Hi Donna,

Good question.  We really don't have a research-based recommended way of drying whole persimmons in the US. In China and Japan, they do dry persimmons whole.

I did find this article for drying whole persimmons but I must warn you that in the US, unless you live in a very dry climate, drying whole fruit as they suggest can produce a moldy, unsafe product. That's why we don't recommend it in the US. But here's the article for you to read:  http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1216/is_n4_v191/ai_14535973

For research-based and tested recipes on drying, I suggest you dry them like an apricot as outlined in this website:  http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/dry/csu_dry_fruits.pdf  They suggest cutting them in half as you will get a better dried product than leaving it whole (minus the pit).

Another research-based and tested recipe for dried persimmon slices can be found at this website: http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/publications/uga/uga_dry_fruit.pdf
Notice that the recipe indicates that a syprup blanch may be used to retain color during storage.  Refer to page 4 of the pdf file for information on how to syrup blanch.

I hope this has helped Donna, Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Carol