Persimmons: The sweet, vitamin-rich fruit boosting immunity

In the past, persimmons were hard to find in Poland and could only be purchased in select stores or by special order. Today, they're readily available in nearly every supermarket. Although originally from Asia, they are increasingly being cultivated in other parts of the world. Known also as kaki or hurma, persimmons stand out for their sweet taste, which even young children appreciate. The juicy, fleshy fruit has pulp that almost melts in your mouth.

The fruit season starts in October and lasts until the end of December. The tastiest persimmons are the ripe ones, recognizable by their intense orange color. They should be soft to the touch, and the thin, smooth skin should be free of brown spots.

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

These orange fruits are packed with health-enhancing vitamins, including A, E, C, K, B1, B2 (riboflavin), and B6, as well as minerals like magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese, and phosphorus. In addition, kaki is abundant in plant compounds with antioxidant properties, such as carotenoids and flavonoids. They also contain protein, carbohydrates, fats, beta-carotene, and fiber. The fruit holds valuable compounds like tannins, gallocatechins, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin. With a low glycemic index and few calories—only 70 calories per 3.5 ounces—kaki is a healthy choice.

Persimmons are a source of many substances with antioxidant potential, greatly impacting the fight against skin aging. Their anti-aging properties result in firm, smooth, and radiant skin.

Beyond skin benefits, kaki strengthens the immune system. With enhanced immunity, we fall sick less often, and even if we catch a virus or bacterial infection, we can recover more quickly. These valuable properties are due to substances like polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants, which exhibit anti-inflammatory effects.

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

Persimmon also positively affects the digestive system. It is rich in fiber, which supports metabolism and relieves constipation.

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

This fruit also benefits eyesight. The lutein present in persimmons protects the retina from damage and reduces the risk of macular degeneration of the eye.

Regular consumption of kaki can improve appearance, leading to stronger hair, skin, and nails.

Kaki fruit is versatile in consumption. They taste great raw as a snack, diced, or sliced. They can be added to dishes and are perfect for fruit or fruit and vegetable salads based on lettuce, arugula, or lamb's lettuce. Nutritionists recommend eating persimmons raw to retain their valuable health properties. Kaki pairs well with natural or Greek yogurts and complements oatmeal. They also pair interestingly with various cheeses, such as feta.

You can also make preserves from the fruit. Commonly, persimmons are used in mousses, jams, sorbets, and even ice cream. They can be added to cakes and desserts, with an interesting option being to make carpaccio.

Before eating kaki, it's worth ensuring it is fully ripe. If it’s ready to eat, wash it and gently peel off the skin. Keep in mind that peeled kaki quickly loses freshness, so store it in the refrigerator and consume it as soon as possible.

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

Allergy to kaki is rare, but some individuals may be prone to it. The allergens in persimmons are similar to those in peaches, oranges, apples, strawberries, lychees, and carrots. If someone is allergic to any of these products, caution is advised. Common allergy symptoms include rash, itching, hives, conjunctivitis, runny nose, asthma attacks, and digestive issues such as stomach ache, diarrhea, and nausea.