Discover the winter apple. Why persimmons are the cost-effective, nutrient-rich fruit you should be eating this season

We often avoid buying unfamiliar fruits and vegetables, not wanting to waste money on something that we might end up discarding. But it's worth exploring the persimmon, an exotic fruit that appears in our stores towards the end of the year, just as its season arrives, letting us enjoy its unique taste. Before picking up this fruit in the store, though, it's a good idea to learn how to choose the sweetest ones that aren't overripe.

You may know this fruit by another name, such as "date plum" or "persimmon." It turns up in stores towards the year's end, during the late autumn and winter. The persimmon's distinct orange color, apple-like appearance - or comparable to a tomato, as some suggest - and flat stalk make it easily recognizable. But what does it taste like? Well, opinions differ, but it's said to be reminiscent of an apple, a plum, a peach, and even a mango — a blend of all these flavors. If you cut it open, you'll see a charming star-shaped pattern.

While persimmons are primarily grown in Asia, several European plantations exist in Italy as well. Making the decision to eat these fruits during winter is a brilliant one as they are not only affordable but also full of nutrients that our bodies desperately need during this period. Just 100g, roughly 0.22 pounds, of this fruit, amounts to around 70 kcal and is filled with nutrients like potassium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Not only that, it's active substances aid in combating free radicals and regulating digestive processes in the body.

If you've never eaten this fruit before, it's only natural not to know how to recognize a perfectly ripe one. Often, in stores, you'll see either overripe or green persimmons on offer. Both aren't particularly tasty and might discourage your first encounter.

A vital element to look for is a dark orange, radiant peel. It should be tight and firm, showing no signs of bruising or discoloration. While choosing a persimmon in the store, perform a quick touch test. Gently press the surface of the fruit. If the flesh underneath the skin gives way under your fingertips easily, better to pick another one. A soft persimmon typically means it's overripe.

If you're planning on buying a larger quantity, it's wise to store them in the refrigerator since they ripen quickly at room temperature. Should you inadvertently purchase green ones, place them next to apples, which emit gases that speed up ripening.

Remember to consume them with their skin, where most vitamins and minerals are stored. But don't forget to wash the fruit thoroughly. From harvest to market display, numerous hands touch them, and it is best not to consume such a product without a thorough cleaning.