How to Cut a Persimmon

Reviewed by Jennifer Levasseur

Last Updated: December 11, 2024 References

Persimmons are sweet and unique fruits that are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.^{[1]
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Research source} While the acorn-shaped Hachiya persimmon and the tomato-shaped Fuyu persimmon have a similar sweet and honey-like taste, they need to be cut very differently, due to their differing densities, textures, and water contents. The Hachiya persimmon is sliced in half and its inner contents are scooped out and the Fuyu persimmon is sliced in half and wedged.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Slicing a Fuyu Persimmon

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Put pressure on the persimmon skin with the peeler as you pull the peeler back toward you. Continue this movement around the fruit until the skin is completely removed. This is optional, as the skin is edible; however, peeling the skin is helpful because it makes the persimmon less likely to slip under a knife while slicing it. ^{[2]
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When placing the persimmon, make sure it is centered and stable. You do not want the persimmon slipping off of the cutting board or slipping under the knife while you are attempting to cut it.

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Make sure to use a sharp kitchen knife, as the leaves can be thick and tough. This step makes the removal of the stem and the cutting easier because there will be less excess in the way of the knife.^{[3]
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Make the cut shallow, so you do not cut out too much of the actual persimmon fruit. The vertical height of this V-cut is recommended to be only slightly longer than the actual stem, which can be anywhere from one to one and a half centimeters.^{[4]
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Place the middle of the sharp knife down the center of the persimmon, where the stem used to be. Simultaneously move the knife forward as you push downward. This will slice the persimmon in half.^{[5]
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Slice the persimmon halves into wedges. Cut the persimmon halves in half again by using the same slicing motion. Continue to cut each half into smaller halves until you are satisfied. Wedges are typically around one to two centimeters, yet can vary depending on personal preference.^{[6]
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- If you are baking with persimmons or placing them on a platter, you may consider cutting the persimmon into incredibly thin wedges. You can slice them as thin as around one fifth of a centimeter.^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Cutting a Hachiya Persimmon

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When placing the persimmon, make sure it is centered and stable. You do not want the persimmon slipping off of the cutting board, squirting juice on the counter, or slipping under the knife while you are attempting to cut it.
Make sure to use a sharp kitchen knife, as the leaves can be thick and tough.^{[8]
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Research source} This step makes the removal of the stem and the slicing of the actual fruit easier because there will be less to get in the way of the knife.
3
Cut a V-shape around and underneath the stem. Make the cut shallow, so you do not cut out too much of the actual persimmon fruit. The vertical height of this V-cut is recommended to be only slightly longer than the actual stem, which can range from around one to one and a half centimeters. ^{[9]
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- You can also pull out the stem with your hands. The stem of the Hachiya persimmon should come out easily if it is fully ripe.^{[10]
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  Research source}However, this method is less exact, has the potential to be messier, and can result in you pulling out too much of the actual fruit along with the stem.
4
Slice the persimmon in half. Place the middle of the sharp knife down the center of the persimmon, where the stem used to be. Simultaneously move the knife forward as you push downward. This will slice the persimmon in half.^{[11]
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- Make sure you are watching your hand and knife placement. If you cut yourself, wash it and put antibiotics on it. If it is more serious, seek medical attention.
With a spoon, scoop the persimmon meat out of its skin.^{[12]
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Research source} An easy way to do this is by scooping out the contents from side of the persimmon, where the inner fruit meets the skin, almost like scooping an avocado. If you cannot get all the persimmon out in one scoop that is okay! Keep scooping until you are satisfied.

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Tips

To avoid cutting or poking yourself, cut away from your body and keep your grip high up, away from the blade.

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Make sure that the persimmon is ripe. This will make cutting it easier.

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If possible, use a chef’s knife to cut the persimmon. Because it is large and sharp, slicing is easy.

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Warnings

Be careful! Using sharp knives can be dangerous. When you are cutting the persimmon, be attentive. If you cut yourself, wash it and put antibiotics on it. If it is more serious, seek medical attention.

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