persimmons

Even if you've never had a persimmon, you can tell they are Fall's fruit: the autumnal oranges and reds of the fruit hint at the fact that these fruits are ripe for the picking in the leaf-changing months. In the interest of eating with the seasons, we've rounded up some reasons why persimmons are good for your waistline.

Fiber source: Just one persimmon contains six grams of fiber, which is already about a quarter of your recommended daily value. Fiber digests slowly, so it keeps you fuller longer.

Cravings cure: The fiber in persimmons, called pectin, is responsible for another appetite-controlling feature: pectin helps regulate blood-sugar levels to keep them from spiking, which can help prevent blood-sugar-crash-related cravings.

Flat belly: Persimmons are known for their stomach-soothing properties, so eating the fruit may help you feel less bloated or constipated. Note, however, that in rare cases, eating too many persimmons, especially on an empty stomach, can lead to a bezoar (an intestinal obstruction) because of the fruit's highly fibrous properties.

These aren't the only reasons to hunt down persimmons at your local grocery store. Persimmons contain high levels of antioxidants like vitamins A and C. When choosing persimmons, keep in mind that there are two different varieties: hachiya, which are orange-red, shaped like acorns, and soft and jelly-like when fully ripe; and fuyu, which are yellow-orange, shaped like tomatoes, firmer when ripe, and can be sliced like apples.

After a long and filling Thanksgiving weekend, it's time to move away from the decadent traditional dishes and toward something a little lighter, like a raw salad. I jazzed up arugula by adding Fuyu persimmons and pomegranate seeds. To top these Fall favorites, I whipped up a quick vinaigrette of pomegranate molasses, fig balsamic vinegar, and lemon olive oil. Don't fret if you are without these specific ingredients; you can easily substitute with a touch of pomegranate juice, regular balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Ready to brighten up your next meal? Then get the recipe!

Reader jchild needs our help with persimmons! She recently asked the Kitchen Goddesses about caring for the Fall fruit:

I just bought four fuyu persimmons, it might be a little early in the season since these persimmons are rock hard. Does anyone know of a way to ripen this fruit? I am really excited to try them in a salad but don't want to wait forever.

Although fuyu persimmons don't need to be soft to be eaten like their hachiya counterparts, I ripen them slightly by trapping them in an enclosed paper bag with a banana, which will produce ethylene, a plant growth hormone. To be honest, though, I've heard many of different methods, from sticking persimmons in the freezer to swabbing them with alcohol. What do you recommend?

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If you enjoy bacon-wrapped dates, you're bound to love persimmons wrapped in bacon! This killer appetizer is fast to make and will definitely be a crowd-pleaser at upcoming holiday gatherings. These bites only require three ingredients: persimmons, bacon, and a touch of vinegar. Persimmons have a delicate flavor that can sometimes be overpowered by too much bacon, so I recommend only using a small slice of bacon. Get to blanketing your persimmons in bacon by reading more.

Now that berry season is long gone, I'm expanding my breakfast fruit horizons. Celebrate the cold weather with pomegranate seeds in your oatmeal, or slice pears or persimmons and serve them with nut butter on toast or whole-grain waffles.

You probably know how to pick and slice a pear, but persimmons have a steeper learning curve. They're worth learning to love, so read more