Persimmon is an Asian specialty or “rare” fruit, available in several varieties, classified broadly by sweetness or astringency. Two of the most common are Fuyu and Hachiya. This might just be your new favorite winter fruit and with our vegan persimmon cookie recipe, you can improve your health and have dessert too!
Persimmons are packed with antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants can help counteract oxidative stress in the body, which has been linked to inflammation and certain chronic diseases. They also contain a good amount of fiber, which is good for the gut, as well as manganese, a trace mineral that helps support the nervous system.
Fuyu persimmon is a short, squat fruit that almost resembles an orange tomato. Best eaten when firm and raw, it’s ideal for salads, adding a splash of color and delightful sweetness. You might enjoy adding persimmon to smoothie bowls or even to a turkey or egg-white sandwich. For dessert, try the Fuyu persimmon with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dash of frozen whipped topping or Greek yogurt.
Hachiya persimmon is longer than the Fuyu and is somewhat heart-shaped. It’s quite bitter until soft and very ripe. Enjoy ripe, alongside other foods, spooned directly from the fruit, much like one would a halved kiwi. Hachiya persimmons are high in tannins which makes them astringent (bitter, drying). It also means you should not eat too many raw Hachiyas on an empty stomach because they can turn into an indigestible mass in your intestines.
Follow these three rules for enjoying Hachiya persimmon.
1) Freeze, dry, or mechanically whip the fruit in a blender before using.
2) Place fruit in a bag in a warm place for a few days before using to break down the tannins.
3) Always pair Hachiya persimmons with other foods.
Persimmon is available in the winter months and it can be fun to experiment with their unique flavor. One of my favorite ways to experiment with persimmons? These delicious vegan persimmon cookies.
Recipe: Vegan Persimmon Cookies
These moist, scrumptious, and delicately sweet persimmon cookies are light enough for a mid-morning snack and perfect as an after-dinner treat with a cup of tea. As the cookies bake, your kitchen will fill with the aroma of nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon and you’ll be swept right into the spirit of the holiday season.
Ingredients
1 cup oat flour
1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup organic coconut sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegan butter, or coconut oil (solid form)
1/2 cup Fuyu persimmon puree, about 1 persimmon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup raisins or cranberries
1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine oat and almond flours, coconut sugar, baking powder, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
- Cut in vegan butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Add persimmon puree and vanilla, and mix well to form a dough.
- Fold in raisins and walnuts. If your mixture is too dry, add more puree.
- Drop by teaspoonful onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12 -15 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to finish cooling and crisp up.
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