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Persimmon is one of the less known edible fruit which is now becoming popular due to its excellent taste and nutritional properties.
Sharon fruit is a variation of Persimmon and in this article we will explore all aspects of this amazing fruit so that you can make it a regular part of your diet and also know Why you are doing so.
There are a number of different types of Persimmon out there and they can be broadly categorised into astringent and non-astringent type.
Astringent type Persimmons cannot be eaten when the fruit is raw due to presence of a type of tannin which makes it bitter.
The bitter taste fades off as the fruit ripens.
Japanese Persimmon
Japanese Persimmon is one of the well-known variety of Persimmon.
It’s lesser known real name is Diospyros kaki (Kaki).
It is also known as Kaki Persimmon and Asian permission.
It is sweet to taste with a soft to fibrous texture.
Japanese persimmon is astringent type and hence it will only be fit to eat when it is ripened and attains crisp firm state.
In fact, it is best for Japanese persimmons to be left for a while after harvesting to attain best possible taste.
Sharon Fruit
Japanese Persimmon fruit which has got its astringent property removed is popularly known as Sharon Fruit.
Sharon fruits are typically ripened off the tree by exposing them to carbon dioxide.
The name of the fruit is mainly due to the fact that this variety of persimmon is grown in Sharon plain of Israel.
The Sharon Fruit is also known as Korean Mango.
Sharon fruit has no core and seedless in nature.
It is very popular for its sweet taste and it can be eaten whole.
Japanese Persimmon and Sharon Fruit – Differences and Similarity
Apart from the differences in astringent properties of these fruits, the other obvious difference between these two fruits is the size of the fruit.
Sharon fruit is typically smaller in size compared to Japanese persimmon.
As both Japanese Persimmon and Sharon fruit are two slightly different types of the same fruit, there is not much difference between these two when it comes to nutrition provided by them.
So the below section of this article will apply to both Japanese Persimmon and Sharon fruit alike.
However, if there are any differences that are there between these two fruits which are of significance, they will be highlighted.
Japanese Persimmon and Sharon Fruit – Basic Nutritional Information
| Nutrients | Quantity (Grams) | % of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 70 g | 3.5 % |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g | 6% |
| Sugar | 13 g | |
| Fat | ~ 0 | NA |
| Cholesterol | ~ 0 | NA |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g | 14 % |
| Protein | 0.6 g | 1 % |
Japanese Persimmon and Sharon Fruit – Vitamins and Nutrients
| Vitamins | Quantity | % of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A (RAE) | 81 µg | 9 % |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg | 5 % |
| Vitamin C | 7.5 mg | 10 % |
| Vitamin K | 2.6 µg | 3.2 % |
Japanese Persimmon and Sharon Fruit – Minerals
| Minerals | Quantity | % of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 8 mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 161 mg | 4.5 % |
| Phosphorus | 17 mg | 1.7 % |
| Magnesium | 8 mg | 2.5 % |
| Iron | 0.15 mg | 1 % |
Positives Aspects of Japanese Persimmon Nutrition Value (Sharon Fruit Nutrition Value)
Now let us look at what are the major positives of Persimmon.
- Japanese Persimmon is a Rich source of dietary fiber. It beats Apple in this aspect.
- The fruit acts as a decent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C
- It provides a varied type of minerals including Manganese, Potassium and Iron
- Source of a variety of Anti-Oxidants
Now, let’s explore each of the above and their key benefits.
Persimmon and Sharon Fruit Benefits
1-Rich Source of Dietary Fiber
Dietary fiber is critical need for human body.
It is prescribed that an adult human should have around 30 grams of dietary fiber every day.
It is beyond the scope of this article to list the benefits of dietary fiber however the key benefits include lowering of cholesterol, reducing chances of high BP, Promote weight loss, reduces constipation among others.
While Japanese persimmon is smaller in size compared to Apple, it beats the latter when it comes to the amount of dietary fiber this fruit contains.
While a raw apple with skin provides 2.4 grams of dietary fiber for every 100 grams, persimmon provides 3.6 grams for the same 100grams and thus, a single persimmon alone contributes 10% of an average dietary fiber need for a day.
2-Great source for essential Vitamins
Japanese Persimmon is great source of different vitamins which includes Vitamin A and Vitamin C and 100 grams of this fruit (one to two fruits based on the size) contributes 10% of both vitamins.
Both of these Vitamin also act as Antioxidants and are both vital and beneficial for functioning of key organs of the human body.
3-Source of essential Minerals and Antioxidants
Japanese Persimmon is good source of different minerals including Manganese, Potassium and Iron.
Japanese Persimmon also supplies us with a good amount of essential antioxidants and hence contribute greatly to our health and well being..
Verdict
Japanese Persimmon is a lesser known fruit due to lack of its availability but has great taste and it can easily challenge well known fruit like Apple on its fiber content.
It comes in variety of sizes and most of them are small enough to serve as a perfect evening snack.
If your kid is not liking apple that much then look no further as Japanese Persimmon can act as a welcome fruit option.
Fruits and Vegetables have great amount of nutrition and it gets lost when it is processed.
Hence I am not a great fan of cooking if the fruit or vegetable is good enough to be eaten raw.
Japanese Persimmon is one such fruit which has an amazing taste and hence I suggest to have it raw as much as possible.