Hachiya Persimmons:
Ripe: When fully ripe, Hachiya persimmons become very soft, almost pudding-like. You can simply cut them in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon.
Unripe: Unripe Hachiya persimmons are very astringent and unpleasant to eat raw. However, there's a trick: you can freeze them! Freezing breaks down the tannins that cause the astringency. Freeze the whole fruit for several hours or overnight, then thaw slightly before eating. The flesh will have a sorbet-like texture.
Fuyu Persimmons:
Ripe or Unripe: Fuyu persimmons can be eaten ripe or unripe. They have a firmer texture than Hachiya persimmons and are not astringent even when unripe. You can:
Wash and slice them like an apple, with or without the peel.
Cut them in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon.
Here are some additional tips for eating persimmons:
Look for persimmons that have a slight give when squeezed gently. Avoid any that are hard or mushy.
The peel of a persimmon is edible, but you can peel it if you prefer. To peel a Fuyu persimmon, you can use a vegetable peeler. For a Hachiya persimmon, you can try blanching it in hot water for a few seconds, which will loosen the skin.
Persimmons can be enjoyed on their own, or added to yogurt, oatmeal, salads, or smoothies. They can also be used in baking.