Hachiya

Hachiya is the classic astringent Japanese persimmon, famous for its large, acorn-shaped fruit that must ripen to a soft, jelly-like state before eating. When fully ripe, the deep orange flesh becomes sweet, rich, and custard-like, but eaten too early it is intensely astringent. Hachiya is the traditional persimmon for baking, purees, and holiday puddings, and it is the type most often dried into the Japanese delicacy hoshigaki. The tree bears heavily and shows striking orange-red fall foliage. Because the fruit ships and stores best while firm and then softens off the tree, Hachiya is well suited to home orchards. Its bold fruit and ornamental value make it a permaculture favorite in mild-temperate climates.