Sharon fruit is classical kaki (or persimmon) from the Middle East is a versatile cooking ingredient, which has gained popularity in recent years.
Despite being a delicious and healthy fruit that's been served by chefs and home cooks for years, many people are unsure what it is, how to eat it, and what recipes you can cook with the fruit.
Therefore, today, we will discuss what it is, its health benefits, and how you can incorporate it into your diet! We’re huge fans of it, and we think you should be a fan too! In addition, we’ve scoured for essential information on this delicious fruit and are excited to share it with you.
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What is it?
Sharon fruit is a type of persimmon. It’s grown in the Sharon plain in Israel, which gives it its name.
Its astringency, or its bitterness and acidity, are stripped, making it able to be eaten at any level of maturity. This persimmon does not have seeds, nor does it have a core.
Sharon fruit vs Persimmon
Persimmon is a tree fruit similar in size and shape to tomato but with a sweet taste.
Sharon fruit is a variety of persimmon that is no longer astringent. Hence, this makes it a convenient and tasty fruity snack to eat no matter its ripeness.
Other types of persimmon include Fuyu (富有), Izu (伊豆), Jiro (次郎柿), and many more.
Taste
This persimmon variety is sweet, but its taste and texture change as it matures.
When it’s young, Sharon fruit is sweet with a crisp texture. Then, it becomes softer and takes on a more saccharine flavour as it ripens.
Calories
There are just over 70 calories in a whole piece of Sharon fruit.
Health benefits
Persimmons are very healthy fruits to eat. Here are some Sharon fruit benefits you’ll reap when eating them:
- Vision maintenance: Eating persimmons won’t make you see better, but they will keep your eyes healthy and prevent eye disease.
- Healthier heart: The tannins in persimmons can lower your blood pressure, which reduces your risk of developing heart disease.
- Rich in nutrients: Persimmons are full of vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients, reducing inflammation and preventing diabetes and chronic illnesses.
Persimmons are an excellent addition to a healthy, balanced diet.
How to eat Sharon fruit
You can eat persimmons like any other fruit or use them in cooking. To eat one, follow these tips:
- Choose the suitable variety: Depending on the type, you will only be able to eat a persimmon at a certain stage of ripeness. Non-astringent persimmons can be eaten at any stage, while astringent varieties should only be eaten when ripe.
- Non-astringent types: You can eat non-astringent persimmons like you would an apple or tomato. You can bite into one or cut it up. These types will be firm to touch and work well in baking recipes and salads.
- Astringent types: Once astringent persimmons are ripe, they will be soft to touch and difficult to bite. Instead, cut them open and use the insides as a spread or in recipes that call for soft persimmons.
Dessert recipes
Sharon fruits are sweet, making them the perfect addition to use in desserts. Here are some of our favourite ways to savour the tasty treat:
Persimmon pudding
Pudding is one of the most common desserts to make with persimmons. It’s got a cakey texture and is perfect with ice and whipped cream.
Persimmon Compote
Compote is a delicious way to enjoy persimmon, and it only requires making a syrup. In half an hour, you’ll have a tasty dessert.
Persimmon pie
There are many recipes for persimmon pie that you’ll love. Many use a puree or the persimmon’s pulp, but others call for slices similar to an apple pie.
Baked Sharon fruit
Baking persimmons is one of the easiest ways to enjoy them, and it’s easy.
Savoury recipes
You can also use Sharon fruit in savoury recipes. If you’d like to try it in a side or an entree, here are some other ways you can use a persimmon:
Persimmon salsa
The next time you’re in the mood for salsa, put down your mango and reach for a persimmon instead. It makes for the perfect sweet and spicy combination.
Stuffed persimmons
Persimmons can act as many other produce items. In this case, they act as peppers. Remove the insides and fill them with a grain and some veggies.
Duck and persimmons
There are many ways you can incorporate persimmons into your duck recipes, and each one is better than the next. Try topping your duck breast with persimmon salsa, or use them to make a glaze.
Roasted persimmons
This is similar to baked persimmons, but instead, you season with sea salt. They make the perfect side dish for poultry.
Other fruits and recipes to try
If you like persimmons and want other new fruit to try, check out our article on 10 exotic purple fruits which are excellent in nutrition and taste! Some of them include mangosteen, plums, prunes, purple barley and more.
Otherwise, we also recommend learning more about the acai berry which has taken the health and fitness industry by storm. Many fitness influencers and health food junkies rave about a variety of recipes using this superfood due to its various nutritional benefits.
Sharon Fruit Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Sharon fruits peeled and cut into thin slices
- 3 pears peeled and cut into thin slices
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2-3 sprigs basil
Instructions
- Mix the Sharon fruits, pears, pomegranate seeds, and walnuts in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Break up the cottage cheese and top the salad mix with it. Drizzle honey and stir.
- Garnish with basil to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
Calories have been calculated using an online calculator. Nutritional information offered on Honest Food Talks is for general information purposes and are only rough estimations.
Fruit salads are great dishes that you can be creative with! Tasty Trip on Youtube has a great Sharon Fruit salad video recipe that we recommend you check out. By adding blue cheese to the mix, they contrast the sweet freshness of persimmon with the creamy richness of the dairy addition.
Looking for other exotic fruits to learn more about? Check out our in-depth article on lychee vs rambutan where we discuss all you need to know about those two sweet fruits!
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Sharon Harder
My name is Sharon. I love persimmons! It was delightful to read all about the sweet Sharon fruit. My husband got a kick out of it, too! Seriously, I will try some of the recipes, using Fuyu persimmons which are easily obtained here in California.