Dried Persimmon Slices

Description

Our dried persimmon slices are made from fresh date-plum (also known as lotus persimmon), from the Persian name “khormaloo”, meaning a fruit that combines the tastes of both plums and dates. Fresh date-plums go through a multistep process to make dried persimmon slices; these are the steps:

• Selecting the right persimmons: requires experience and knowledge of fruit
• Sorting and Washing: To sort out squishy persimmons and wash off wax or chemicals
• Slicing: Cutting into slices (there is no core, so to speak)
• Blanching(optional)
• Drying: In the fruit dryer for a specific period
• Cooling and packagingin clean packets or bags

Timing is everything when it comes to choosing the best persimmons for drying. They need to be firm enough, not fully ripe or mushy, to slice. I wish there were a trick to tell you which is which. Drying is also important. Getting the temperature right is as tricky as selecting the right persimmons for drying. It is easy to rush the process and end with overdried persimmon slices instead of light, leathery ones. Slowing the process, on the contrary, may result in sticky pieces.

Specifications

Persimmons are called “nutrient bombs” this much they contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. But they are still uncommon in many parts of the world or sold for a fortune off-season winter. Why being content with insipid or expensive fruit in the off-season, while our dried persimmon slices preserve the nutritional value of fresh fruits, plus allowing you to enjoy a healthy and nutritious snack all year round?

There are two general types of persimmons (and you need to know which type you are dealing with):

• Astringent, heart-shaped hachiya persimmons that are very high in plant chemicals called tannins that give the unripe fruits a mouth-puckeringly tart, bitter taste. They become rich, sweet and spicy on ripening, though.
• Non-astringent, tomato-shaped Fuyu variety of persimmon that can be enjoyed even when not completely ripe. They can be eaten, firm and crisp, while still raw.

Dehydrating persimmon (dried persimmon) is an excellent option to capture and preserve the unique flavor and color of these fleeting fruits. Dried persimmon slices are as delicious and nutritious as the fresh version, but smaller and can last longer. They are especially useful if you can’t take fresh fruit with you to work or travel, or to pack in your child’s lunch bag to school, as a healthy snack.

Our dried persimmon slices are produced without any additives and preservatives, making them a perfect snack and food ingredient. Despite their small size, they are packed with an impressive amount of nutrients.

One persimmon (about 100 grams) contains:

• • Calories: 118
  • Fat: 0.3g
  • Sodium: 1.7mg
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugars: 21g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Potassium: 270mg
  • Beta carotene: 425mcg

In addition, persimmons are loaded with vitamin A and fiber, and a good source of vitamins B1 (thiamin) and B2 (riboflavin), B9 (folate), C, E and K, and magnesium and phosphorus. They also have low calories, making them a friendly fruit for losing weight. Persimmons are a powerful source of antioxidants and have a low glycemic index (GI).

Here are a few health benefits of dried persimmon slices (an persimmons in general):

• They may benefit heart health
• They may help reduce inflammation
• They lower LDL cholesterol levels (they are high in fibers)
• They may help support healthy vision

 

Applications

Here are some ways to add dried persimmon slices to your diet:

• As a healthy snack
• As a flavor on top of salads
• As a flavor for cakes and desserts
• As a sweet topping to your morning yogurt or oatmeal
• As a tasty and healthy dessert, mixed with honey
• As a flavor with chicken or meat
• As a natural fruit strips
• As a flavor for drinks and beverages

A note of caution: people suffering from anemia and diabetes should consult with their doctors before eating persimmons.