When we think of an acai bowl, we often imagine summer. Yet an acai bowl works very well in winter. During this cold season, we prefer rounder flavors to make it more comforting.
And, of course, without losing the freshness that makes a successful acai bowl.
This is where persimmon comes in.
The quintessential winter fruit, still greatly underrated, transforms the acai bowl into a comforting, sweet recipe perfectly suited to the season.
Persimmon, a winter seasonal fruit
Is persimmon a winter fruit?
In France, persimmon season runs from October to January, with the peak season falling between November and December. This is when they reach maturity, both in terms of flavor and texture.
As consumers become increasingly attentive to seasonality, persimmons are a relevant alternative to summer fruits that are unavailable in winter. They can be eaten alongside citrus fruits, kiwi, apples, and pears.
Where are persimmons grown?
Persimmons originate in Asia, but their cultivation has spread widely around the Mediterranean basin. Today, they are mainly produced in Spain, Italy, and also southern France.
These areas benefit from ideal conditions, with mild autumns, moderate winters, and plenty of sunlight. The fruits harvested there are fleshy, very sweet, and suitable for local winter consumption.
How can you eat persimmons every day?
Despite its presence in stores, persimmons remain a little-known fruit. Many consumers are still unsure how to eat them.
How do you eat a persimmon?
Persimmons are mainly eaten raw.
It can be eaten:
- plain, with a spoon,
- cut into slices,
- incorporated into sweet recipes.
In our acai bowl recipe, we used it as a topping. Its melt-in-the-mouth texture contrasts with the cold, creamy base while adding an immediate sweetness.
Should you peel a persimmon?
Persimmon skin is edible.
However, it all depends on the ripeness.
- If the fruit is very ripe and soft, the skin is not a problem.
- If the skin is thick or slightly tannic, peeling it may be a good idea
In this recipe, you can adapt it according to your preferences.
How can you tell if a persimmon is ripe?
This is the most important point. A ripe persimmon should be soft to the touch, bright orange, with no persistent green areas.
An overly firm persimmon will be astringent, leaving an unpleasant sensation in the mouth.
Conversely, a ripe persimmon becomes almost creamy and naturally sweet, making it perfect for indulgent recipes.
Even if your persimmon is not 100% ripe when you buy it, it will ripen a few days later.
Why persimmon works well with açai
Açai has a distinctive flavor profile that is not well known in Europe. It is an unsweetened fruit, and its flavor is reminiscent of cocoa with a few notes of red berries. This is why our açai bowls always contain a blend with a banana or another fruit and a little sweetener to make açai accessible to everyone.
The persimmon plays a key role as a topping here. In fact, it softens the mixture and provides natural sweetness without masking the flavor of the other ingredients
Winter persimmon açai bowl recipe
Ingredients (for 1 açai bowl)
For the base:
- 200 g of frozen organic and fair-trade Terraçaí by Nossa! açai purée.
- 1/2 banana.
- Sweetener of your choice (optional). We recommend 1 tablespoon of agave syrup.
For the toppings:
- 1/2 very ripe persimmon
- A handful of plain granola
- 2 pieces of white chocolate
Preparation
- Break your 2 açai portions into pieces to make blending easier.
- Blend the still-frozen açai purée with the banana and a drizzle of sweetener. The texture should remain thick, almost like a sorbet.
- Pour the base into a bowl.
- Add the persimmon, sliced or diced.
- Sprinkle with granola and white chocolate.
- Enjoy immediately.