Persimmons are bright orange fruits that look a bit like tomatoes but taste sweet, rich, and honey-like when ripe.
They are originally from East Asia, but today they are grown in many parts of the world, including India.
There are two popular types:
1) Fuyu Persimmons
- Firm and crunchy
- Eaten like an apple
- Sweet even when not fully soft
2) Hachiya Persimmons
- Shaped like an acorn
- Must be very soft and fully ripe
- Sweet and creamy, almost like pudding
These fruits are packed with natural sweetness, fiber, and antioxidants.
Availability of Persimmons in India
Persimmons are mostly grown in cooler regions and hill areas of India.
Where are they grown?
- Himachal Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Sikkim
- Darjeeling & some parts of Northeast India
In many states, people call persimmons “Japani Phal”.
Season in India:
October to January
This is when fresh persimmons appear in most markets, fruit shops, and online stores.
Price of Persimmons in India
Persimmon prices vary based on where you buy them:
Wholesale / Local Mandi (in growing regions):
₹80–₹120 per kg
Retail Shops in Metro Cities / Online:
₹270–₹600 per kg
Imported or premium-quality fruits may cost more.
Prices rise when the season ends or when demand is high.
Nutrition in One Medium Persimmon
A medium persimmon (about 150–170 g) contains:
- Calories: 100–120
- Fiber: 4–6 g
- Natural sugars: High but healthy
- Vitamin A, C, potassium, antioxidants
Persimmons are especially known for their bright orange color, which comes from beta-carotene, great for eyes and skin.
What Happens If You Eat One Persimmon Every Day?
Eating one persimmon daily can improve your health in many ways:
1. Better Digestion
Persimmons have good fiber, which keeps your stomach clean and improves bowel movements.
2. Clearer Skin & Sharper Vision
Vitamin A and antioxidants help keep your skin glowing and support eye health.
3. Stronger Immunity
The vitamin C in persimmons helps your body fight infections and improves recovery.
4. Good for the Heart
Fiber and potassium help control cholesterol and support healthy blood pressure.
5. More Energy & Less Craving for Sweets
Natural sugars give you quick energy without harming your health like processed sugar.
Risks & Things to Be Careful About
Though persimmons are healthy, you should keep these points in mind:
1. Don’t Eat Unripe Hachiya
Unripe Hachiya persimmons taste bitter and can upset your stomach.
Always eat them when soft and jelly-like.
2. People With Diabetes Should Watch Portions
Persimmons contain natural sugars.
One fruit is okay, but avoid overeating.
3. Rare Risk of Stomach Blockage
Eating too many unripe persimmons may cause digestive problems in rare cases.
4. Possible Allergies
If you feel discomfort after eating persimmons, stop and consult a doctor.
How to Choose and Eat Persimmons (Easy Tips)
Choosing the right one:
- Pick deep orange fruits
- Fuyu: Can be eaten firm
- Hachiya: Must be very soft
How to eat:
- Bite it like an apple
- Add slices to salads
- Blend in smoothies
- Make jams or desserts
- Freeze ripe Hachiya for a pudding-like treat
Storage:
- Keep firm ones at room temperature
- Store ripe ones in the fridge for 3–5 days
Conclusion
Persimmons are one of the most nutritious and delicious fruits you can eat during winter in India.
They are easy to digest, rich in vitamins, good for the heart, great for the skin, and perfect as a daily healthy snack.
The best part?
You only need one persimmon a day to enjoy most of its health benefits.
In India, the fruit is easily available from October to January, with prices ranging from affordable in hill states to premium in metro cities.
If you’re looking for a natural, sweet, and nutritious fruit to add to your daily diet, persimmons are an excellent choice.
