Persimmons have a very interesting flavor and texture. If you like their silken flesh and sweet-tart taste, then you may enjoy other fruits like persimmon too. Below are 5 other species that might make good substitutes for your persimmon love.
List of Fruits Like Persimmon
Below is a list of fruits similar to persimmons that you might also appreciate. Some are similar in appearance, while others share flavor or texture profiles.
1. Medlar
There are many fruits out there that are only edible when fully ripe. Persimmons are great examples of this, as unripe fruits are almost inedible. On the other hand, medlars are only edible when they’re about 0.05 seconds away from rotting. If you can ripen them perfectly through a process known as “bletting”, you’re in for a treat.
When they’ve reached ultimate ripeness, they develop a persimmon-like velvety texture that’s absolutely gorgeous. They’re both sweet and acidic, and delicious both as they are, and in preserves. Try mixing them with oat cream as a dessert, or transform them into jam to spread on toast.
2. Black Sapote
Do you know how persimmons have a soft, squidgy texture to their flesh? If you enjoy that sort of thing, then you’ll probably enjoy black sapotes as well. They’re almost buttery, and taste like chocolate pudding with a hint of caramel. That kind of flavor profile may sound too good to be true, but it’s very real.
You should be able to find these at a Mexican or South American grocery store near you. Eat them fresh by scooping their flesh out with a spoon, just like you’d treat a pudding cup. Just eat them alone, or else people around you might want to share.
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3. Sapodilla
These fruits may sound like they’re related to sapotes, but they’re completely different species. They look more like persimmons than sapotes do, both in terms of shape and color. That similarity ends when it comes to the flesh’s texture and flavor, however. Inside, a sapodilla is sweet and grainy, sort of like a pair mixed with brown sugar.
Unripe sapodillas can leave a strange, chalky feeling in your mouth, just like unripe persimmons. You’ll need to get really ripe ones in order to savor their pumpkin pie-like flavor properly. Look for them
4. Quince
While quinces don’t really look like persimmons, their flavor profile is very similar. Both fruits have sweet and acidic notes to their flesh, but quinces are grainier. In contrast, persimmon flesh is softer and rather slippery—like a roasted red pepper. The main difference is that quinces can’t be eaten raw.
If you manage to get your hands on some fresh quinces, try poaching them. This is the best way to neutralize their acidity while enhancing their flavor. Make a batch of simple syrup made of 1 cup sugar to 2 cups water. Bring this to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and poach the quartered quinces in it for an hour. You’ll know they’re ready when they’ve turned pink.
Related Article: What does Quince Taste Like?
5. Orange Peach Tomatoes
Believe it or not, some of the fruits that look most like persimmons are actually tomatoes. You’ve probably noticed that there are hundreds of different tomato varieties out there. The one known as “Orange Peach” is a rare heirloom hybrid. It developed spontaneously on a farm in Pennsylvania, and looks like a fully ripe persimmon.
These tomatoes are delightful raw, but just as gorgeous transformed into sauces. You can use them for sweet or savory recipes, including salsa and jam.
Wrap Up
Many of the fruits like persimmon listed here can be used in similar ways. They may not be identical in terms of appearance or flavor, but they can make good substitutes in a pinch. Additionally, they work really well together in many dishes. For example, serve quinces and sapotes as part of a beautiful vegan dessert platter. Or use medlar jam as a base for tomato tarts.
Try adding sapodilla to your next smoothie, along with horchata and coconut yogurt. Be creative, and see which one of these you like best.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
