Persimmons are sweet, juicy fruits that come in orange or reddish colors. They are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. If you have never eaten a persimmon before, it’s important to know how to choose, prepare, and eat it the right way for the best taste. Here is how to eat persimmon fruit.

There are two main types:

Fuyu persimmons: These are round and firm, and can be eaten like an apple, even while still slightly hard.

Hachiya persimmons: These are longer or heart-shaped, and should only be eaten when they are very soft and ripe. Unripe Hachiya persimmons are extremely astringent and unpleasant.

Fuyu persimmons are ready to eat when they turn bright orange and are still firm.

Hachiya persimmons are ripe when they feel very soft, almost like a jelly inside.

Wash the fruit thoroughly.

You can eat it with or without the skin. The skin is edible and safe.

Slice it into wedges, or simply bite into it like an apple.

Remove the seeds if there are any (some Fuyu varieties are seedless).

Wait until it becomes extremely soft to the touch.

Cut off the top and scoop out the inside with a spoon.