Make the most of persimmons by making a Persimmon Syrup you can use for drinks, cocktails, desserts, and more! Persimmons are such a unique fruit but can be tricky to eat. Once they are ripe, turn them into a delicious fall-inspired syrup.
WHAT ARE PERSIMMONS?
There are two common varieties of Asian persimmons, the Fuyu and the Hachiya. I used the Hachiya variety in this recipe. Hachiya persimmons are a light orange color when picked, heart or acorn-shaped, and can be astringent. They have a high amount of tannins so you do not want to bite into one until it is super soft and ripe (trust me on this one). Fuyu persimmons are more round-shaped. They also have tannins but are much less astringent than the Hachiya variety. You can eat this type more like an apple when it is still firm.
WHEN IS A HACHIYA PERSIMMON READY TO EAT?
Hachiya persimmons will ripen at room temperature. Although you want to pick them when they are firm and light orange, you do not want to eat them yet! You will know the fruit is ready to eat when it feels soft to the touch, like a very ripe tomato, and the color has become much darker.
How to Make Persimmon Syrup
- Cut and hull the persimmons and place them in a small saucepan. There is small, hard seed pocket in the middle you want to discard.
- Add the water sugar, and cinnamon stick and bring to a boil. Stir and boil for 4-5 minutes and then remove from the heat.
- Allow the syrup to steep until cool, about 1 hour.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer. Discard or use the sugary fruit pulp for something else.
How to Store Homemade Persimmon Syrup
Store this homemade syrup in a sealable bottle or container in the fridge. The syrup will last for 4-5 days in the fridge. I find that a slip-top bottle or screw-top bottle works best but you can also use a canning jar.
What to do with Persimmon Syrup
As mentioned you can make a cocktail like this beautiful Bourbon Persimmon Cocktail shown below! If you don't like bourbon, this syrup is also delicious with vodka and some club soda or in a margarita.
This syrup isn't just for cocktails. You can also pour it over ice cream or pancakes or add it to apple cider or tea for a fall-inspired drink.
Tools Needed to Make Homemade Syrup
More Homemade Syrup Recipes to Check Out
Ingredients
- 2 ripe persimmons, diced or squeezed (I used Hachiya variety)
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Cut and hull the persimmons and place them in a small saucepan.
- Add the water sugar, and cinnamon stick and bring to a boil. Stir and boil for 4-5 minutes and then remove from the heat.
- Allow the syrup to steep until cool, about 1 hour.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer. Discard or use the sugary fruit pulp for something else (like a cocktail!). Place the syrup in a sealable container and store it in the fridge. The syrup will last for 4-5 days.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Did you Make this Recipe?
If you make this Persimmon Syrup, don’t forget to leave a comment below. You can also tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me what you made with it.
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Queen of Glean says
delicious tasting, but this absolutely didn't work. I used hachiya persimmons and the resulting mixture was extremely thick after an hour. I strained about 0.5 cups of liquid off that wasn't orange like the pulp, but instead milky white. it tasted terrific but wasn't syrup. I was excited about the possibility, but also skeptical of them recipe since persimmon has a ton of pectin and is used more like bananas and apples in baked goods
Emily says
I'm sorry this syrup didn't work out for you. I wonder if the persimmons weren't ripe enough (very soft to the touch)? The recipe also calls for only 5 minutes of boiling before steeping, I'm not sure if you were referring to an hour of cooking, but that would certainly change the recipe. I have not had the same experience you are describing, but I know how tricky persimmons can be. Thanks for trying the recipe!
DM says
Have eaten Persimmon pudding, but never a cocktail. This is a must !!
Emily says
Persimmon pudding is on my list.😀 You will love this syrup!
Julie says
You are literally the QUEEN of syrups I cannot wait to try this one! The last few were UNREAL!!
Emily says
LOL, thanks! I do love homemade syrups.😊 I hope you enjoy this one too!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says
I've never tried persimmon before, but look at that gorgeous colour to this syrup! It looks delicious!
Emily says
I hope you find some persimmons and get to try this. They are such an interesting fruit.
Bobbie says
This sounds so good! I’ve never tried persimmons but this is on my shopping list!
Emily says
Persimmons are a unique fruit for sure, but if you find some, you gotta make this syrup!
Shilpa says
This looks so good. It’s going to be a perfect addition to the party I’m hosting next week. Thanks for sharing.
Emily says
I hope it's a hit at your party!
Nora says
Never thought about making a syrup out of persimmon before. After reading your suggestions about what to do with it, I have to try this out! Thank you!
Emily says
I hope you love it!
Sue says
This looks wonderful! I'm a vodka girl, so that's what this delicious syrup will be used for in my house!
Emily says
Oh yes, this syrup will be so good with vodka. Cheers!