Kaki Persimmon

A variety of astringent persimmons, kaki persimmons, have to be completely ripe and almost mushy before eating. The fruit's tannins make the unripe fruit unpalatable to eat the bitter, heart-shape fruit unless the flesh has completely softened. To ripen hard fruit simply place on a counter in sunlight and allow the fruit to ripen, or place in a paper bag to quicken the ripening process. Kakis are a medium sized fruit and yellow-orange to red-orange in color. The fruit is similar in shape, size and taste to Hachiya persimmons and may be used in the same ways.