Shimane dried Saijo persimmon slices

This persimmon is a small variety, averaging 5 to 7 centimeters in length, and has an oblong to elongated egg shape. The skin is smooth, tight and pale yellow-orange when young, then softens, wrinkles slightly and takes on darker orange hues when ripe.

Fruit should be allowed to fully ripen before harvesting so that the tannins in the flesh break down while the sugars increase, giving the flesh a soft, watery, custard-like consistency.

Its flesh is also translucent, orange to yellow in color, and contains few or no seeds. Saijo persimmon has a mild, sweet, fruity flavor with notes of honey, brown sugar, mango and papaya.

Saijo persimmon is an excellent source of fiber to regulate the digestive tract and vitamins A and C, antioxidants that strengthen the immune system while reducing inflammation.

The fruit is also a good source of manganese to aid in protein digestion, potassium to balance fluid levels in the body and contains some calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.