Hachiya vs. Fuyu Persimmon Lowdown

Persimmons are such a fun fruit we look forward to every year, but knowing the differences between the two main types (Hachiya and Fuyu) is key. Fuyu persimmons are best for eating like an apple and have a unique flavor, spicy sweet with hints of tropical flavors. Some even say they can sometimes detect a hint of cinnamon! Hachiya persimmons on the other hand (pronounced HA-CHEE-YA) are best for cooking and baking. The flesh has a smooth, creamy texture and tangy-sweet flavor.

The trick to cooking with a Hachiya persimmon is to let it get super soft and start to get black spots. The squishy texture should be similar to a seriously over-ripe tomato — that’s when they’re perfect to cook with! The black spots are not harmful, don’t worry.

We used our Hachiya persimmons to make Persimmon Lemon Bars, or PersEMON bars (ha!)

Persimmon Lemon Bars (aka PersEMON bars)

Makes 1 pan PersEMON bars

INGREDIENTS:
For the crust
2 sticks butter (1/2 pound)
1/3 cup sugar
2 cups flour
1/8 teaspoon salt

For the filling
4 eggs
1 2/3 cups sugar
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
2-3 overripe Hachiya persimmons (see photos above for reference)
1-2 lemons, juiced (approximately 2/3 cup juice)
2/3 cup flour

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Using a standing mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light. Add the flour and salt and mix into the butter and sugar mixture until it’s just incorporated. You should have a crumbly, dough-like texture. Dump that into the greased pan and flatten into the pan until the whole bottom is covered. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the dough mixture is very lightly browned.

Squeeze the ripe persimmons over a measuring cup to extract the juice and pulp from the skins. Leave out most of the skin if possible. Whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, Hachiya pulp, lemon juice and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 20-25 minutes until the filling is set, but still kind of wiggles when you shake the pan. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and dig in!

How To Add Persimmons To Your Delivery:  Full Circle Members – head on over to our online Farm Stand Market to customize your upcoming delivery. On the second page of customizations, you’ll find “Produce by the Case” and can stock up if you want a big batch of persimmons. The Market is open from noon on Thursday until 6 pm on your cut off date.

Not part of our farm family? Find out if we deliver to your neighborhood.