Recipes & Inspirations

Drying persimmons: a simple guide to sweet, long-lasting fruit

Autumn brings with it warm colours and intense aromas. Among the most iconic fruits of this season are the khaki, sweet, nutritious and perfect to be enjoyed fresh or made into dried persimmons. In this guide you will discover how to dry persimmons at home easily and safely, following practical tips from our experts and passionate customers.

Why dry persimmons

Drying persimmons allows them to be stored for longer without losing sweetness and nutrients. I dried persimmons are an ideal natural snack for desserts, muesli or energy bars. Even over-ripe fruits can be made into fruit leather or home-made bars, avoiding waste and making the most of the harvest.

Choosing the right persimmons for drying

• You prefer persimmon hard or barely orange, still unripe. Although not fully ripe when fresh, dried they lose their typical astringency.

• Avoid fruits that are too soft or damaged to be used for other preparations.

• To slow down ripening, keep them away from apples and quinces.

  
  

Fruit preparation

1. Wash the persimmons under running water.

2. Dry them well with a clean cloth.

3. Remove the stalk and the upper cap.

4. Any seeds can be removed, but it is not necessary to peel the fruit.

   
   

Cutting persimmons

• Use a sharp knife or mandoline.

• Cut the slices into approximately 4-5 mm thick.

• Unripe fruits are easier to cut without breaking.

• Overripe fruit: cut them into thin slices or blend them for alternative preparations such as fruit leather or energy bars.

  
  

Arrangement in trays

• Arrange the slices on non-stick sheets (DrySilk or DrySilk Net) to facilitate detachment.

• Do not overlap the slices to promote air circulation.

• With Biosec dryers no need to turn the trays, horizontal air flow ensures even drying on all levels.

  
  

Drying persimmons

• Recommended temperature: 45-50 °C.

• Time: about 12 hours, depending on thickness and ripeness.

• The slices are ready when they are flexible but dry, not sticky.

  
  

Storing dried persimmons

• Pour in the persimmons while still warm as soon as drying is complete.

• Close airtight or glass containers and allow to cool completely.

• Store away from light and humidity: dried persimmons will retain their sweetness and fragrance for months.

  
  

Creative ideas for overripe persimmons

Fruit leather

• Blend the pulp of ripe persimmons.

• Roll it out in a 2-3 mm thin layer on non-stick paper.

• Dries at 50 °C for 36 hours.

• Cut them into strips and enjoy them as a natural snack.

  
  

Home-made energy bars

• Mix persimmon pulp with oats, walnuts, almonds and chocolate chips.

• Spread in an even layer and dry to a firm but pliable consistency.

• Cut into bars and store in airtight containers.

  
  

Extra tip

I dried persimmons are perfect as a natural snack or to give a sweet, autumnal touch to yoghurt, muesli, dough or mature cheese boards.