Persimmon Salsa
In a small bowl, stir together peeled, diced Fuyu persimmons with finely diced jalapeños, diced red onion, minced fresh ginger and thinly sliced mint. Stir in a splash of olive oil, lime juice and salt to taste.
Serve the salsa with tortilla chips or spoon on top of grilled fish or chicken.
Persimmon Chutney
Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and brown sugar with minced shallot and ginger, raisins, grated lemon zest, cinnamon and salt. Simmer over medium-high heat until reduced by half. Stir in peeled and diced Fuyu persimmons and cook until tender.
To serve, spread crostini with goat cheese, top with baby arugula, and dollop with chutney.
Persimmon Salad with Bitter Greens
Whisk together honey, sherry vinegar, Dijon mustard and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine coarsely torn escarole, frisée and radicchio with thinly sliced red onion and thinly sliced Fuyu persimmons. Toss with vinaigrette to taste. Season with salt and pepper and top with crumbled goat cheese and pepitas.
Persimmons with Prosciutto
Slice Fuyu persimmons into 6 wedges each. Wrap each wedge with a thin slice of prosciutto and secure with a toothpick.
Arrange the persimmons on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast at 400°F until the persimmons have softened and the prosciutto is crispy. Serve warm.
Kale and Quinoa Salad with Persimmons
Whisk together olive oil, minced shallot, Dijon mustard and sherry vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine 1 bunch thinly sliced kale leaves, 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, 1 peeled and sliced avocado and sliced Fuyu persimmons. Toss with vinaigrette to taste and sprinkle with 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts.
Roasted Persimmons with Greek Yogurt
Cut ripe Hachiya persimmons in half crosswise. Arrange cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Roast the persimmons at 400°F until tender, about 20 minutes. Divide among individual bowls and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chopped toasted pistachios.
Availability
Persimmons are in peak season from October to February. Two basic varieties come to markets: the heart-shaped Hachiya that must soften completely before losing its astringency and the smaller, rounder Fuyu that can be enjoyed while still firm.
Selecting
Choose plump fruits that are heavy for their size and free of blemishes. Their skin should be smooth and shiny, with no hint of yellow. Look for intact stem caps that are firm and green, not gray or brittle.
Preparing
Ripen Hachiya persimmons inverted on their caps until extremely soft. Unless using a food mill, Hachiyas must be peeled before cooking or pureeing. The Fuyu variety may be served with its skin on or peeled for a more delicate texture. If the persimmons are too hard to use, speed up the ripening by placing them inside a paper bag with a banana or apple.
Storing
Once ripe, persimmons should be eaten right away or refrigerated in a plastic bag for up to 2 days.