Persimmon is an exotic and capricious fruit. This is one of the few products that is not on store shelves all year round. Ripe fruits spoil quickly and can only be stored fresh for a few days. But a way to preserve persimmons for a long time has long been known - drying. This allows you to enjoy a pleasant taste and get a supply of vitamins all year round. In the traditions of the East and the Caucasus, dried persimmon is a universal snack and an effective remedy for almost all diseases. It’s not difficult to be convinced of its miraculous properties.
How to choose persimmon for drying?
You need to dry persimmons at home correctly so that they turn out tasty and can be stored for a long time.
First, you should select suitable fruits in the store, paying attention to the following factors:
- The skin on the fruit should look even and smooth.
- Overripe fruits are not suitable for drying, as they are difficult and take a long time to cook.
- When purchasing the Korolek variety, you should give preference to rich, bright orange-red fruits.
- There should be no dents, cracks or creases on the persimmon.
- The “stem” on the persimmon should be dark green in color and feel dry to the touch.
Fruits of any size are suitable for drying, but it is recommended to give preference to small fruits so that the drying time is shorter. When buying unripe persimmons, the main condition is that they be elastic. If the persimmon is soft and overripe, then the fruit will begin to rot during the drying process.
Selecting persimmons for drying
It is wrong to believe that any persimmon can be easily dried. This is a deep misconception. Before you start drying the fruits, you need to select them correctly. They must be without a single damaged area, no flaws, bruises, or the beginning of rotting are allowed. The surface of the fruit should be smooth, without wrinkles, dents or scratches. The fruits must be ripe, but not overripe, otherwise they will spread during the drying procedure.
Fruits that have been stored or transported for a long time are not suitable for drying, and berries that are too small will lose even more weight during drying and only the peel will remain.
When starting to dry persimmons, you need to take into account its variety, which can affect the result. The most suitable varieties for this are Ukrainka, Kinglet, Shokoladnitsa and Bull's Heart.
Classic recipe for dried persimmon pieces in the oven
Drying persimmons at home in the oven is very simple, but it is not recommended to use gas units, since they do not provide a constant temperature inside the oven.
How to dry persimmons
Fruits can be dried, either whole or cut into slices or plates.
Preparing Ingredients
To prepare the dish you will need the following ingredients:
- fruits (persimmon) – 2.5 kg;
- lemon juice – 100 ml.
Step-by-step cooking process
Step-by-step recipe for drying persimmons in the oven:
- First you need to rinse the fruits well and let them dry.
- Then you need to cut the persimmon into small thin slices.
- Next, sprinkle the lemon juice over the slices. This is done so that in the future you get a beautiful rich color of the fruit.
- Afterwards, the slices need to be carefully placed on a baking sheet previously covered with parchment paper.
- Then preheat the oven to 60°C.
- Next, you need to put the baking sheet in the oven and leave the door open to allow the moisture to evaporate. The fruits will be ready in 6-7 hours.
Tips for selection and admission
When buying dried persimmons in a store, you should carefully choose. A quality product meets the following criteria:
- color – any shade of brown;
- there is a small white coating on the surface that cannot be removed with a finger;
- consistency – soft and elastic (like rubber).
Dried persimmons can be stored in any airtight container in the refrigerator (up to 18 months) or a dark, cool place (about 6-12 months). During storage, do not expose to direct sunlight or moisture.
Dried fruit can be consumed in its pure form (small snack, replacement for sweets and other sweets), or used to prepare various dishes.
Dried persimmons can be considered as an alternative to or combined with fresh fruits.
It is better to eat persimmons during the daytime. Taking at night or on an empty stomach is strictly prohibited. The recommended maximum daily intake is up to 100 grams.
It can also be used to create tea, compotes, tinctures and decoctions; it is added to pies and other confectionery products, honey and nut mixtures.
There are a lot of subtleties in choosing, storing and consuming dried persimmons, which allow you to fully reveal your biological potential.
Japanese way
Dried persimmon is a very popular delicacy in Japan, which can be tasted in almost all restaurants.
Special farms are built for fruits where they are dried. Tourists are often brought to them to show the whole drying process.
Preparing Ingredients
To prepare Japanese-style dried fruits, you will need 5 kg of persimmons.
Step-by-step cooking process
Step-by-step recipe for drying persimmons as in Japan:
- First you need to rinse the fruits well and let them dry.
- Then you should carefully remove the skin from the fruit with a knife.
- Next, the persimmons need to be strung on a strong thread, leaving a distance (5-8 cm) between the fruits.
- Afterwards, hang the fruit “garlands” in the sun and leave them for 3 weeks.
- Then you need to remove and mash the fruits, and then place them on a tray with hay and leave them to dry for another 7 days. During drying, it is recommended to periodically “massage” the fruit so that fructose is released.
In Armenian
Persimmon in Armenia is called “Korolek”. It is dried at the end of October, when the fruits become ripe and juicy.
Dried fruit skins are a separate delicacy in Armenia.
Preparing Ingredients
To prepare the dish you will need 5 kg of persimmon.
Step-by-step cooking process
Cooking algorithm:
- First you need to rinse the fruits well and let them dry.
- Then you need to cut the fruits into small rings or slices without removing the skin.
- Next, the slices should be placed on a special tray and left in the sun. The drying process takes 2 weeks. The fruits will turn dark red.
How to prepare fruits for drying and what to do next
- Wash the fruit.
- Remove the top thin skin with a knife. Peel like potatoes, just start cutting the skin from the bottom of the fruit to the rosette of leaves.
- Tie a thread or twine, or a narrow ribbon to the ponytail. If there is no tail, then hook it onto a rosette of leaves. During the drying process, they will rise up a little, so tighten the thread tightly.
- Hang it somewhere in the kitchen. To a cabinet handle, for example.
- Admire and be amazed at how quickly the fruits change.
In Abkhazian
Caucasian persimmon grows in Abkhazia. In mid-autumn, fruits are collected in the republic, and then they are either dried or dried.
Preparing Ingredients
To prepare dried fruits in Abkhazian style you will need 5 kg of persimmons.
Step-by-step cooking process
Cooking algorithm:
- First you need to rinse the fruits well and let them dry.
- Then you should carefully remove the skin from the fruit with a knife.
- Next, you need to string the peeled fruits onto a strong thread and hang the “garlands” in the sun.
The drying process takes 2-3 weeks. The main condition for cooking is good air circulation to prevent rotting.
How to dry fruit outdoors?
Drying persimmons outdoors is the most common way to prepare fruit at home.
This method does not require much effort and will take no more than 2 weeks.
Preparing Ingredients
To prepare the dish you will need 5 kg of persimmon.
Step-by-step cooking process
Step-by-step recipe for drying fruits naturally:
- First you need to rinse the fruits well and let them dry.
- Next, you should carefully string the persimmon onto a rope so that there is a distance between the fruits (5-8 cm), or secure the fruits by the leaves.
- Afterwards, the “fruit garlands” need to be hung in a dry, ventilated area, preferably in a dark one, and covered with gauze.
- When the fruits turn a brownish-red color, they can be removed and stored. Usually the color of medium-sized fruits changes on the 3-5th day. Large persimmons can dry for up to 14 days or more.
- Then the fruits should be placed in sealed jars or cardboard bags.
What can I add?
To prevent the fruits from sticking together, you can add flour.
Varieties
For its honey-like sweetness and delicate soft texture, persimmons have received many common names: food of the gods, gourmets' choice. There are three varieties of the fruit, all of which have characteristics in appearance and taste.
- Regular persimmon . The fruit has a rich orange color. After ripening, the consistency of the pulp becomes jelly. Unripe fruit is tart due to its high tannin content.
- Sharon. The taste is reminiscent of apple, quince and apricot. Ripe fruit is very soft and does not have a tart taste. The skin is thin, it is not necessary to peel it off.
- Kinglet. The skin is orange and the flesh underneath is brown. The second name is chocolate persimmon. It tastes sweet and not at all cloying.
In the microwave
You can also dry persimmons at home in the microwave to quickly get a treat and spend a minimum of time preparing.
Preparing Ingredients
For preparation you will need 1.5 kg of persimmon.
Step-by-step cooking process
Step-by-step recipe for drying fruit in the microwave:
- First you need to rinse the fruits well, let them dry and cut them into small thin plates or rings.
- Then you need to place the slices on a special heat-resistant tray or place on a wire rack in the microwave. It is necessary to leave a distance between the fruits, but no more than 5 cm.
- Next, you should turn on the minimum temperature on the microwave oven and dry the fruit for 20 minutes, and then you need to open the door so that moisture does not accumulate on the dried fruit. This action must be repeated 3-4 times until the fruit is completely ready.
When cooking, it is recommended to swap fruit slices, since heat in the microwave is distributed unevenly.
How to determine product readiness
During drying, whole persimmon fruits decrease in volume by 2–4 times and become dense. A sign that persimmons prepared in the Abkhazian way are ready is the appearance of a whitish coating on the surface of the berries, similar to flour.
Slices of ready-made dried fruits are elastic, but not brittle. When you press on them, no juice should come out. The surface is not sticky to the touch.
Abkhazian way
This is the only drying recipe that uses unripe persimmons. Choose hard orange fruits. They are hung, tied by the stalks, on a rope or wire, under a canopy. With this method of harvesting, it is not so much the temperature regime that is important, but the constant movement of air flows.
During the drying period, the persimmons are covered with gauze and left for 1.5–2 months. In the warm climate of Abkhazia, this method has worked perfectly for hundreds of years.
In an electric dryer
Drying persimmons at home in an electric dryer is very convenient, since the temperature does not change during cooking and the fruit does not burn.
Preparing Ingredients
For cooking you will need 2.5 kg of persimmon.
Step-by-step cooking process
Step-by-step recipe for drying fruits in an electric dryer:
- First you need to rinse the fruits well, let them dry and cut them into small thin plates or rings.
- Then you need to place the fruit slices on a special tray in the electric dryer, leaving a distance between them.
- Next, you should set the temperature on the device, but not more than 60 °C.
- The fruits will be ready after 7-8 hours. Large slices take 18-20 hours, so it is recommended to cut the persimmons as thin as possible.
Entirely
You can dry persimmons whole, but to do this you need to provide a dry, dark room with good air circulation.
Preparing Ingredients
For preparation you will need the following ingredients:
- persimmon – 4 kg;
- boiled water – 5 l;
- sugar – 250 g.
Step-by-step cooking process
Step-by-step recipe for drying whole fruits:
- First you need to rinse the fruit well, let it dry and carefully remove the skin with a knife.
- Then you should string the persimmon on a rope so that there is a distance between the fruits (6-8 cm), or secure the fruits by the leaves.
- Next, you need to pour water into the pan, add granulated sugar and, stirring occasionally, bring to a boil. The “garlands” with persimmons must be lowered into the resulting mixture one by one for a few seconds.
- Afterwards, the resulting blanks should be hung in a dry, warm room. After 3-4 weeks, dried fruits can be used on pizza.
How to dry the Korolek variety?
The Armenian variety of persimmon called “Korolek” can be dried both at home and on the street.
The main condition for drying fruits is good ventilation so that the process of rotting of the fruits does not begin.
Preparing Ingredients
For preparation you will need 1 kg of persimmon.
Step-by-step cooking process
Cooking algorithm:
- First you need to rinse the fruits well and let them dry. If desired, you can remove the skin with a knife.
- Then the persimmon, cut into slices or whole, should be strung on strong threads, leaving a distance (5-8 cm) between the fruits.
- Next, the resulting “garlands” need to be hung in a dry, ventilated, warm room. You can also sprinkle the fruits with flour and place them on trays lined with wax paper.
- The persimmon will be completely ready in 2-3 weeks. The fruit will turn red-brown.
How to sprinkle dried or dried persimmons
In the east or in China, where large volumes are produced, it is customary to coat dry fruits with flour. Just so they don't stick to each other.
If you dry a couple of kilograms in your kitchen, you can sprinkle it with powdered sugar, or leave it as is.
How to make compote from dried persimmons?
Dried persimmons can be used in making compote.
This drink is a tonic. It can be drunk in both winter and summer.
Preparing Ingredients
To prepare dried fruit compote you will need the following ingredients:
- dried persimmon – 1 kg;
- water – 3 l;
- sugar – 250 g.
Step-by-step cooking process
Step-by-step recipe for dried fruit compote:
- First you need to make the syrup. To do this, place a pan of water over medium heat, add sugar and bring to a boil.
- Then you should carefully immerse the dried fruits in the bubbling liquid and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Next, you need to turn off the heat and let the drink brew for 2-4 hours. This compote can be drunk both cold and hot.
What can I add?
When preparing dried persimmon compote, you can add ginger, herbs or a little alcohol, such as rum. This drink is an excellent way to prevent hypothermia and colds.
Beneficial properties and harm
Kinglet is another name for this fruit. The dried fruit has a pleasant taste , which is why it is often used as a natural treat. It is especially tasty to eat it with tea. The advantage is that dried persimmons are available all year round, unlike fresh fruits that ripen in a certain season. Dried persimmons sold in markets come mainly from China. These fruits contain high concentrations of vitamin C. In folk medicine of eastern countries, it has been used for a long time to treat various diseases. Dried persimmon has the following beneficial properties:
- Has a positive effect on digestion. Both fresh and dried fruits have a beneficial effect on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. They manage to relieve inflammation and bleeding.
- Can improve appetite if consumed regularly in dried or dried form. Anti-inflammatory properties have also been proven, which are expressed in eliminating the risks of inflammation of the rectum and the formation of hemorrhoids.
- Accelerates healing.
- Promotes detoxification of the body. Dried and dried persimmons are able to remove accumulated toxins from the body and oxidation products.
- Relieves spasm of blood vessels. As a result, blood pressure and blood supply to all organs and tissues are normalized.
Compared to bananas, dried persimmons contain more potassium. It is used to prevent and treat cough. Dry, fresh or dried persimmon contains betulinic acid, which successfully fights cancer.
The use of fruits is allowed not only internally, but also externally. The fruits are ground into a paste and applied to the wound to ensure rapid healing.
The fruits contain amino acids that prolong the youth of cells and provide better health and the ability to resist diseases. By the way, it contains vitamin C to combat viruses and other sources of colds.
The substance zeaxanthin should also be mentioned. It has a beneficial effect on human vision.
But despite such a large number of benefits, potential harm from consuming the product can also be identified:
- Prohibition of use if a person has low blood pressure.
- You should not drink persimmon with milk, as the protein in its composition reacts with the tannins of the fruit.
Another drawback is a possible negative reaction to persimmon in the form of an allergy.
Rules for storing dried persimmons
Dried fruits can be stored in several ways:
- in wooden pallets or boxes;
- in a refrigerator;
- in plastic containers;
- in fabric bags;
- in paper bags;
- in cardboard boxes.
The room where dried fruits will be located should be dark, warm, and have good air circulation. Persimmons can be stored for up to 2 years. It is forbidden to store fruits in plastic bags, as this can quickly deteriorate or the process of rotting will begin.
How to use correctly
When purchasing a finished product, the question arises whether it is necessary to wash dried persimmons before use. You don't have to do this. If in doubt, you can scald the fruits with boiling water. Dried, dried fruits of diospyros can be consumed in different ways:
- eat like candied fruits;
- make tea; to do this, just pour boiling water over a few slices of the product and let it brew for ten minutes;
- cook the compote by boiling the pieces of fruit in water for about 30 minutes with the addition of a pinch of citric acid and sugar to taste;
- Use as a filling for pies, but first the pieces must be kept in hot water to soften.
Dried and dried doyspiros fruits are stored for up to a year in a closed glass or wooden container. The stem of a dried product must be cut off so that it does not spoil. You can extend the shelf life of a healthy treat by placing it in bags in the freezer.
Standards of use
Persimmon is a versatile fruit. It can be dried, dried, added to compote and much more. Fruits are used in diets and during pregnancy. They have a beneficial effect on the body as a whole.
Other beneficial properties of the fruit are presented below:
- improves appetite;
- speeds up metabolism;
- promotes improved blood circulation;
- fights the initial signs of ARVI;
- Chinese persimmon improves immunity;
- fights age-related changes;
- in the East, persimmon “porridge” is used to disinfect wounds;
- Thanks to zeaxanthin, persimmons nourish the eye muscles.
But dried fruits also have harmful properties:
- Frequent consumption of persimmons contributes to the formation of stones;
- unripe persimmons lead to constipation;
- If you have intestinal atony, it is better not to consume dried fruits;
- people with diabetes are better off excluding persimmons from their diet;
- Dried fruits are not recommended to be eaten frequently if you have kidney and bladder diseases;
- It is better for nursing girls and women to avoid persimmons, as they can cause allergies in the baby;
- Persimmons should not be washed down with water or fermented milk products.
The daily dose of persimmon consumption for an adult is 2-3 fruits.
Below is a table in which you can familiarize yourself with the norms for the consumption of dried fruits:
| Norm | |
| Children under 3 years old | Doctors do not recommend giving persimmon at all. |
| Children over 3 years old | You can consume 1 piece of fruit per day. If the child does not have allergies, then he can eat 1 fruit. |
| When dieting | It is recommended to consume persimmons before 16:00. |
Drying persimmons is a very interesting activity that can interest both adults and children. You can also make marmalade, pastille, and jam from the fruits at home. The dried fruit resembles a fig. Although, along with other dried fruits, persimmon is not as popular among Russians as in the East.
What are the benefits of a “heart apple”?
The fruit is considered a real storehouse of vitamins and microelements necessary for the human body. Its main feature is its high iodine content. There is so much of it that experts compare persimmons to sea creatures. Found in the pulp:
- micronutrient A, B2, C, E, PP;
- citric and malic acids;
- beta carotene.
The fruit contains calcium, copper, iron, potassium, and manganese. All these microelements take part in various vital processes of the body.
The note! Although persimmon contains a lot of glucose and sucrose, it is still not a high-calorie fruit. Therefore, overweight people can introduce it into their diet.
An important component is antioxidants, which resist free radicals harmful to humans. The calorie content of dried persimmons is quite high. If 100 g of fresh berries contains approximately 53 calories, then dried ones contain 274 kcal per 100 g.
For what diseases is persimmon effective?
The pulp of the plant is used in the treatment of digestive organs. Pectin, which is part of it, improves the functioning of the stomach. The berry also copes well with E. coli, as it has a disinfectant effect. Excellent fight against Staphylococcus aureus. The product is often prescribed for the prevention of heart and vascular diseases. Doctors advise eating several fruits a day to prevent not only organ pathologies, but also its premature wear.
The fruit affects the thyroid gland. After all, the natural iodine contained in the fruit is very well accepted by the body and has a positive effect on the operation of the device. It especially helps with iodine deficiency. Micronutrients C and P help strengthen blood vessels, preventing the development of their pathological permeability. How much dried persimmon you should eat per day will be determined by your doctor, based on the individual characteristics of the body and the complexity of the disease.
Persimmon can be used as a diuretic. It will provide the body with magnesium. This microelement reduces the amount of salts in the urinary system, preventing the formation of stones. The product affects the functioning of the visual apparatus. Vitamin A strengthens the muscle that holds the eyeball, which significantly affects the quality of vision. Micronutrient B plays a huge role in the normal functioning of the nervous system. Several fruits a day will help improve concentration and improve mood.
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Doctors advise consuming exotic fruits in the autumn-winter period. At this time, the immune system needs vitamin support. The dried fruit is a good antiseptic and expectorant. It can be taken for sore throat and cough symptoms. Dried fruits have a positive effect on gums. If they hurt and bleed, you need to chew a few berries, massaging the affected area. Persimmon helps with:
- scurvy;
- vitamin deficiency;
- hypertension.
Persimon contains a large amount of fiber. Thanks to it, you can get rid of constipation, quickly get enough without overeating. The BJU indicators of dried persimmon show that it contains a significant amount of carbohydrates - 15.3 g per 100 g of product. Therefore, a person receives a great boost of energy after eating dessert. Doctors often allow patients with diabetes to consume the berry. After all, it can normalize blood sugar levels. It is also known that substances contained in the pulp lower bad cholesterol.
The undeniable benefits of the fruit are noted by overweight people. It is included in various diets
This must be done carefully, adhering to all the specialist’s instructions. The best option is to consume dried fruit in the first half of the day in the amount of 50 g
Persimmons should be used to replace sweets, pastries and other treats.
