Persimmon Skies
Late fall on Cape Ann offers the most glorious skies…this one appeared on Thanksgiving Day late in the afternoon. Shortly after our meal, I headed outside for a walk and came upon this enchanting swath of butterscotch, persimmon and rose behind a silhouette of trees. Nature never ceases to awe me.
Speaking of persimmons, I currently am writing a story about this orange-red fruit for the November-December 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times. The magazine needs to photograph my recipes this year, while persimmons are in season (October through February). These ones are the sweet Fuyu persimmons, which look like tomatoes and are firm when ripe. The Japanese Hachiya persimmons are less squat and have a more pointed bottom. They also must be jelly-soft before eating or they’ll pucker your mouth. You can eat the skin on both kinds of persimmons and the fruit has a mild sweet flavor and slippery-soft texture.
I love them in salads, particularly cut into thin wedges and tossed with arugula, aged goat cheese, toasted pistachio nuts, chopped fennel, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
They’re also tasty as a salsa to enjoy with grilled pork or chicken. Simply dice one and toss it with some chopped avocado, minced fresh cilantro, fresh lime juice, hot sauce, and sea salt.
Heather Atwood
Hi, Victoria,
I was checking out your new blog – really beautiful, and informative, brava! – and noticed you had Thanksgiving on Cape Ann. I saw that same sky, and had Fuyu persimmons in my cornucopia. As a fellow food-writer and Andover grad living in Rockport, I have to ask if you live here, too? Or maybe that was just a lucky invitation to Annisquam.
Wherever you are, I look forward to following your writing and recipes
Victoria
Hi Heather,
I so appreciate your nice comments about my blog. What a coincidence about the mutual view and fruit in our larder! I live in Newton, but grew up in Manchester, which is where I took the photo. Ah, Rockport–it’s lovely too. Hopefully, our paths will cross in the near future. It’s always nice to meet fellow PA grads and food writers!
Elizabeth
Beautiful photograph, Victoria. I saw some persimmons in the market this morning and was wondering what to do with them. Thanks for giving me a few ideas.
Victoria
Thanks, Elizabeth. The persimmon season is short, so enjoy them while you can.
Brigitte Lagoutte
Bonjour!
Great to see your new website. I love it!
The photo of your persimmons is so inviting that I was inspired to buy some and add them to my salad too!
We spent Thanksgiving in Maine with my sister under 12 inches of snow… it was beautiful.
Hope I can see you soon.
Victoria
Merci, Brigitte!
I can’t believe you had 12 inches of snow! Wow. I am so glad my photo inspired your salad. Yes, let’s arrange a time to get together before the New Year ☺
Sarah
We too enjoyed persimmons in our salads all week long thanks to your suggestion. Yum and thanks!
Victoria
You’re welcome. I’m so happy this fruit is having its moment! Soon, it will be gone…
Memory Foam Mattress
Glad to read this blog! Keep it going!
Victoria
Thank you, MFM. I appreciate your encouragement.