What You’ll Need:
- Ripe persimmons
- Kitchen knife or mandoline slicer
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Baking sheet or dehydrator
- Airtight containers or freezer bags
Step 1: Choose Ripe Persimmons
Start by selecting ripe persimmons that are free from any bruises or blemishes. You want them to be soft and sweet but not overly mushy.
Step 2: Slice the Persimmons
Using a kitchen knife or mandoline slicer, carefully slice the persimmons into thin rounds. If desired, you can also remove the skin before slicing. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces if preferred.
Step 3: Optional Lemon Juice
If you want to prevent the persimmons from browning, gently coat the slices with lemon juice. This step is optional but can help preserve their color.
Step 4: Dehydrate the Persimmons
Place the persimmon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or use a food dehydrator if you have one. Make sure to space them out evenly, allowing air to circulate. Set your oven or dehydrator to a low heat of around 135°F (57°C) and let the slices dry for 8-10 hours until they become firm and leathery.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Once the persimmon slices have dried, remove them from the oven or dehydrator and let them cool completely. Store the dried slices in airtight containers or freezer bags, ensuring they are well-sealed to prevent moisture from entering. Label the containers with the date and contents.
Step 6: Freeze for Long-Term Storage
If you want to store your persimmons for an extended period, consider keeping them in the freezer. Place the dried persimmon slices into freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Frozen persimmons can last for up to a year.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Winter Persimmons
During the winter months, you can take out the preserved persimmons whenever you crave their sweet taste. They can be rehydrated by soaking them in warm water for a few minutes or adding them directly to recipes that call for dried fruit.
Preserving persimmons is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of fall all-year-round. With this step-by-step guide, you can savor the deliciousness of persimmons during the winter months, whether you choose to dehydrate or freeze them. So, get your persimmons ready and say goodbye to seasonal limitations!