Persimmons - Food of the Gods or Weather Forecaster?

The Latin name means “food of the gods,” but if you have ever bitten into a common persimmon before a frost, you know even “the gods” would wait to be served. Unripe persimmons are high in tannins and have a bitter, astringent flavor, defined by the phrase “pucker power.” Fruit that is ripe and ready to harvest turns a deep color, becomes soft and mushy, and easily pulls away from the branch.
There are two types of persimmons grown in Arkansas: the native or common persimmon and the Oriental persimmon varieties. Native persimmon trees are dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female trees. You need one of each to have fruit; only the female tree bears fruit. Persimmons can be grown from seed, and it can take 4‐9 years before they begin to bloom.
The common persimmon is an economical food source we should all manage on our properties. Deer (and deer hunters) know the only thing better than having a loaded persimmon dropping her sweet treats is having a grove to choose from. The fruit benefits bucks, but does and nursing fawns receive added benefits from the vitamins and minerals in ripe fruit. Edible fruits often hang on the trees through fall and even into winter for the enjoyment of much wildlife.
Persimmons also have nutritional value and health benefits . They are particularly high in polyphenols and vitamin C and contain other vitamins and minerals like vitamins A and B, folate, manganese, and potassium. They also contain plant compounds such as tannins, flavonols, antioxidants, and a lot of fiber with little to no fat. They may help decrease inflammation and improve vision, digestion, and heart health.
If you are into folklore, now is also a good time to look for the weather prognosticator. Harvest the fruit of the native persimmon, find the seeds, and cut them in half. A white embryo will be in the center of each seed. They will have the shape of either a “fork,” indicating a mild winter, a “spoon” for lots of snow, or a “knife,” which means a cold winter ahead!