Mini pumpkins

Persimmons

Illustration by Maria Ratinova

I always have to stop and think: Are the Hachiyas the flat persimmons or the pointy ones? Do you eat them solid or squashy? So here’s the deal. Hachiyas look like little pumpkins and you eat them while they’re firm. Fuyus are pointy at the bottom and need to be very soft before you dig in. The flat-bottomed Hachiyas look festive on cheese plates and sliced into salads. Wait until the Fuyus get well ripened before you puree them to use in breads, steamed pudding and ice cream.