Persimmon fruits are actually berries. Persimmon is very rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants, which contribute to its healing properties.
Description
The homeland of persimmon is China, where she received the nickname “apple of the east.” From China, persimmon came to Japan, where it still plays an important role in the national cuisine, and then spread throughout the world.
Persimmon, which the Greeks called “the fruit of the gods,” are large, round, juicy berries with a smooth, thin skin, yellow or orange, depending on the variety and degree of ripeness. The flesh is soft, creamy, almost jelly-like when the fruit is fully ripe. Ripe persimmon tastes very sweet and has a honey flavor. Sometimes the pulp partially turns brown, but this does not mean that it has deteriorated.
There are two main types of persimmons – astringent and non-astringent. Astringent persimmon contains a large amount of tannin, which makes the fruit inedible. Non-astringent persimmon in the process of ripening quickly loses tannins and becomes edible.
Fruit shape varies from spherical to conical. The color varies from light yellow to dark red.
Persimmons are generally not suitable for juicing, they are eaten whole, like mangoes, or mashed, which can be added to smoothies. It is very fibrous, tasty and nutritious.
Nutritional value
Persimmon is an excellent source of phytonutrients and has anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic properties. Persimmon contains an antitumor compound, betulinic acid. Beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin are antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidation and cancer.
Persimmon is rich in vitamins A, C, group B, as well as minerals – calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, phosphorus and copper.
Benefit for health
Persimmon has laxative and diuretic properties and is especially recommended for people suffering from liver diseases. Persimmon is a high-calorie food, therefore it is recommended for children, athletes and physically and mentally exhausted people. Below are the various therapeutics of this sweet berry.
Cold and flu. Due to the high content of vitamin C, persimmon is a very effective means of strengthening the immune system, alleviating the symptoms of flu and colds, as well as many other infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Constipation. Due to the high content of fiber and water in persimmon, this berry has an excellent laxative effect, is a powerful natural remedy for constipation.
diuretic effect. Persimmon has excellent diuretic properties due to its high content of potassium and calcium. Eating persimmons is an effective way to prevent puffiness. Daily consumption of persimmon is preferable to the use of diuretic drugs, as persimmon does not lead to loss of potassium, unlike many known diuretics.
High blood pressure. Persimmons help lower high blood pressure and prevent many heart conditions associated with hypertension.
Liver and body detoxification. Persimmons are an excellent source of antioxidants, which play a key role in liver health and body detoxification. Antioxidants help neutralize toxins and other harmful substances in the body and prevent the damaging effects of free radicals.
Natural antidepressant. Persimmon is very well digestible, providing a lot of readily available energy (in the form of sugars). That is why persimmon is especially useful for children and people involved in sports or other physical activities.
Stress and fatigue. Due to the high content of sugars and potassium, persimmon fills the body with energy and relieves the symptoms of stress and fatigue. If you are friends with persimmons, there is no need to use special energy and nutritional supplements.
Tips
To test the ripeness of a persimmon, lightly squeeze the fruit. If this is difficult, the persimmon is not yet ripe.
Ripe persimmons are soft to the touch, very sweet and creamy. You can cut the fruit into two halves and eat the pulp with a spoon. Persimmon can be used to make delicious sauces, creams, jams, jellies and smoothies.
To speed up the ripening process, store persimmons at room temperature. Storing in the refrigerator will slow down the ripening process.
Attention
Due to the high sugar content, persimmon is not suitable for people suffering from diabetes, obesity and overweight. Dried persimmons have an even higher sugar content.