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Folklore has it that persimmon seeds predict winter weather. How does this work? We’ll show you how to predict the weather with nothing more than a persimmon seed! Plus, enjoy recipes for persimmon pudding and persimmon bread.
What Is a Persimmon, Anyway?
Persimmons are small orange fruits that are less well known the plums or peaches, but they can be found in some grocery stores and farmers’ markets during autumn. The American persimmon trees (Diospyros virginiana) grows wild in USDA Zones 4 to 9, while Japanese persimmon trees (Diospyros kaki) thrive in only the warmer part of that range—Zones 7 to 9. Before they’re ripe, the fruit has a very astringent taste, but this mellows as the fruit softens. For the purposes of weather forecasting, you’ll want to get your hands on an American persimmon which has seeds.
How to Predict Weather With a Persimmon Seed
1. Find a locally-grown persimmon. (A locally-grown persimmon is necessary because it will reflect local conditions!) Wait to pick the fruit or cut into the fruit until after it gets a bit soft—almost mushy.
Persimmons have a unique fall flavor that is similar to pumpkin. A ripe persimmon has a “squishy” body and a creamy texture so it’s often considered a baking fruit, adding its sweet flavor and moistness to pudding, bread, and pie. Persimmons can also be made into dried fruit, jam, ice cream, and even alcohol. Ripen persimmons at room temperature. Place in a paper bag to speed up ripening.
Persimmon pudding is the classic way to enjoy this fruit! The baked dessert has the taste of pumpkin and the texture of gingerbread! The below persimmon pudding recipe is from the “Indiana Nut Growers Cookbook” (1995), courtesy of the Indiana Nutgrowers Association.