Persimmons: The vitamin-packed fruit boosting health and tastebuds

In the past, this exotic fruit was hard to find and could only be purchased in select stores or by special order. Today, you can almost reach out and grab it, as it's available in nearly every supermarket. It originates from Asia but is increasingly being cultivated in other parts of the world as well. Persimmon, also known as kaki or hurma, is notable for its sweet taste, which even young children enjoy. The juicy, fleshy kaki has pulp that almost melts in your mouth.

The fruit season starts in October and lasts until the end of December. The most delicious fruits are definitely the ripe ones, which can be recognised by their intense, orange colour. Kaki should be soft to the touch, and the thin, smooth skin should be free of brown spots.

Kaki is not only a guarantee of flavour but also a rich source of vitamins and minerals, which accounts for its many therapeutic properties.

These orange fruits are packed with vitamins beneficial to health, including A, E, C, K, B1, B2 (riboflavin), and B6, as well as minerals like magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese, and phosphorus. In addition to these, kaki is abundant in plant compounds with antioxidant properties - carotenoids and flavonoids. They are also a source of protein, carbohydrates, fats, beta-carotene, and fibre. They contain other valuable compounds such as tannins, gallocatechins, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin. Furthermore, they have a low glycaemic index and few calories - 100 grams of kaki contain only 70 calories.

Persimmon fruits are a source of many substances with antioxidant potency, which significantly aids in combating skin ageing. Its anti-ageing properties yield positive effects in the form of firm, flexible, smooth, and radiant skin.

In addition to its beneficial effects on the skin, kaki strengthens the body’s immune system. With better and stronger immunity, we not only fall sick less often; even if we catch a virus or bacterial infection, we can deal with it more quickly. Such valuable properties are due to substances like polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants, which exhibit anti-inflammatory effects.

Including kaki in the daily menu offers benefits such as a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. The compounds found in kaki lower blood pressure and reduce levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

Persimmon also has a very positive effect on the digestive system. It is rich in fibre, which supports metabolism and alleviates constipation.

The high dose of polyphenols in kaki can significantly prevent the development of cancer cells responsible for leukaemia. Meanwhile, B vitamins contribute to the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Among its other benefits, this fruit positively impacts eyesight. The lutein present in the fruit protects the retina from damage and reduces the risk of macular degeneration.

Regular consumption of kaki can result in an improved appearance – leading to stronger hair, skin, and nails.

A great advantage of kaki fruits is their versatility in consumption. They taste great raw, as a snack, diced, or sliced. They can also be used as an addition to dishes – they are perfect for fruit or fruit and vegetable salads based on lettuce, rocket, or lamb's lettuce. Nutritionists recommend eating kaki raw because it retains its valuable health ingredients this way. Kaki pairs well with natural or Greek yoghurts and as a complement to porridge. It also pairs interestingly with various cheeses, such as feta cheese.

You can also make preserves from the fruits. Most commonly, persimmons are made into mousses, jams, sorbets, and even ice cream. They can be added to cakes and desserts. An interesting option is to make carpaccio.

Before eating kaki, it's advisable to check that it is fully ripe. If it’s ready to eat, wash it and then gently peel off the skin. Bear in mind that peeled kaki quickly loses its freshness, so it’s better to store the fruit in the fridge and eat it as soon as possible.

If you have a firm fruit, it is recommended to let it ripen for a few days at room temperature.

Allergy to kaki is a rare condition, but nevertheless, some individuals are prone to it. The allergens found in persimmons are similar to those found in peaches, oranges, apples, strawberries, lychees, and carrots. If someone is allergic to any of these products, they should exercise caution. The most common allergy symptoms include rash, itching, hives, conjunctivitis, runny nose, asthma attack, and digestive issues such as stomach ache, diarrhoea, and nausea.