4 • January 2016 • UPBEAT TIMES, INC.


Cloverdale, CA. ~ “Wheat of Zeus” and “God’s Pear” derive from the ancient Greek term used to describe the persimmon. An early genus of this fruit, Dio- spyros lotos, was the basis for the “Devine Fruit” men-


Homers epic Odyssey.


mons are na- tive to Asia and North


America. That name comes from the Native American Algonquian word meaning dried fruit. Poca- hontas and her tribe members consumed the native genus, a bite-size jam-ripe fruit that fell to the ground. They ate it on the spot or would dry the fruit in “bricks” for winter nourishment. The persimmon, called “kaki”,


is native to China, Japan, Korea, Burma and Nepal. Centuries


Persim- DEVINE FRUIT


tioned in lating a foods air space.


In Japan, the fruit is widely cultivat- ed and consumed as readily as or- anges or apples are in the United States. Two specifi c varieties are cultivated for edible fruits. The acorn shaped bright orange Hachiya holds those overbearing tannins and must be completely ripe before eating. When ripe its consistency is a thick jelly encased in a waxy thin skin, re- sembling a water balloon! The pale orange to bright-orange to- mato shaped Fuyu persimmon


Eat Well & Prosper!


by Executive Chef Ron Skaar ronskaar@comcast.net ~ 707-490-7636


ago, the Chinese devised a way to remove the strong astringency from the kaki, by burying the un- ripe fruit in mud for several days. This method removed the heavy “tannins” from the fruit and was possibly the fi rst attempt at regu-


makes up most of the market today. With out the astringency, the Fuyu can be eaten while still fi rm. It tastes crisp, sweet and crunchy, like a Fuji apple with the fl avors of mango and papaya. Admiral Perry could be respon- sible for bringing the persimmon from the Ori- ent to California. Orchards of the fl ame-orange, jelly soft Hachiya make up the vast


majority of our plantings. Many other varieties are grown around the world including a Mexican black which turns the appropri- ate color when ripe. The kaki cultivated on the Ko- rean peninsula is fi ttingly called the Korean Mango, with tastes of plum, honey and pumpkin. In Korean folklore these fruits have a reputation for scaring


off tigers. A chocolate persim- mon grown in Chile has brown streaked fl esh which includes a faint cocoa fl avor. These fruits are in fact a berry which accounts for those smaller jammy varieties. One persim- mon is an excellent source of vi- tamin A, 380% of RDA vitamin C, full of fi ber and potassium. Its corticoid pigments carry an- tioxidants which help to protect chlorophyll.


Wrapping the fruit tightly in


siran to ripen beats the mud bath today or you can put unripe per- simmons in a paper bag with an apple or banana. This can take a few days for the Fuyu to rip- en and possible weeks for the Hachiya. Use Fuyu wedges in salads, slice and substitute for to- mato on a sandwich or to make a salsa for meat and poultry. Puree the ripe Hachiya fl esh and freeze for a quick sorbet, use puree in quick breads, muffi ns, steamed puddings or as a sauce for angle food cake.


January’s EWP Recipe!


PERSIMMONS Ingredients:


PROSCIUTTO WRAPPED


24 thin slices prosciutto 3 persimmons, preferably Fuyu , peeled and cut into eights


24 rosemary sprigs 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil


Directions:


Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Fold each slice of prosciutto in half lengthwise and cut in half. Place persimmon wedge on one end of strip and roll it up. Us- ing a toothpick, poke hole in wrapped persimmon and slip in sprig of rosemary. Place on parchment lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil. Roast for 15-20 minutes until lightly brown. Serve. Serves 8.


4 • January 2016 • UPBEAT TIMES, INC. JOKES & Humor # 2


Millions of years ago, there was no such thing as the wheel. The only way to move things was by carry- ing or dragging. One day, some primitive guys were watching their wives drag a dead mastodon to the food preparation area. It was exhausting work. The guys were getting tired just WATCHING. Then they noticed some large, smooth, rounded boulders and they had an idea. They could sit on the boulders and watch! This was the fi rst in a series of breakthroughs that ultimately led to television.


The Punitentiary #2


No one knew she had a dental implant until it came out in a conversation.


Be kind to your dentist because he has fi llings too.


My dentist would simply not stop working on my teeth. He was abscessive compulsive.


People say that as a child, William Shakespeare was very playful.


Paid Volunteer Delivery People wanted!


Scenic Route Available!


* 5 hrs, One time per month. Will Train. Must have valid drivers licence, insurance & own car! Flat fee for route & gas $ included! Send your info to:


upbeat@upbeattimes.com It’s Fun!


Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. ~Berthold Auerbach


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