The period from June to September annually marks the season for persimmons. These fruits are predominantly found in the Northern region and are used to create snacks, syrup-soaked treats, or tangy soups. So, how can you keep persimmons fresh and delightful year-round? Follow along with Mytour in this article!
1. How to choose quality persimmons
Persimmons, exclusive to the Northern region, are usually available from June to September. They are popular for making snacks, syrup-soaked treats, and sour soups.
To keep persimmons fresh and delightful throughout the year, first, you need to know how to choose the best ones:
- Carefully examine each persimmon to ensure better preservation.
- Avoid selecting persimmons with dark or dented skin, signs of spoilage, or insect damage.
- Avoid overly ripe persimmons as they tend to have less flesh, large seeds, less division, and are not crispy when eaten.
- Avoid persimmons with shiny skin as they are prone to damage and difficult to store for a long time due to being too unripe.
- Choose persimmons with slightly rough skin, moderately ripe, with thick and crispy flesh, and small seeds (known as crispy persimmons).
2. Preserving Whole Fresh Persimmons
To enjoy persimmons throughout the year, consider the following preservation method:
- Step 1: After purchasing fresh persimmons, clean the outer skin thoroughly. Avoid peeling, as it may damage the inner flesh.
- Step 2: Next, soak the persimmons in clean water for about 10 minutes to prevent darkening and remove dirt. Rinse again and let them air dry for the outer surface to set.
- Step 3: Divide the persimmons into airtight plastic containers or sealed zip-lock bags and store them in the refrigerator freezer compartment.
With this method, you can keep persimmons fresh for 8 to 12 months. However, there are some small considerations:
- Avoid putting too many persimmons in one large bag, as they may stick together and be challenging to separate when taken out.
- Some people prefer not to peel persimmons but only cut the stems, clean, and store. However, this method can make persimmons taste bitter when cooked. Also, thawed persimmons are more likely to be mushy and harder to peel.
>>> Read more: Tips for preserving ripe avocados longer in the refrigerator
3. Proper Refrigeration Techniques for Preserving Soursop
In addition to the aforementioned preservation methods, consider refrigerating soursop using the following guidelines:
- Step 1: For green soursop, cut off the stem to release sap. Then, peel and wash the fruit thoroughly.
- Step 2: Place the soursop in a pot and add enough water to cover the surface. Bring it to a boil until the soursop is ripe and let it cool.
- Step 3: Once ripe, remove the seeds. Grind the soursop meat and boiled water into a smooth paste using a blender.
- Step 4: Pour the blended mixture into ice cube trays to freeze and store in the freezer. When needed, take out 1-2 cubes for cooking or processing as desired.
4. Preserving Soursop in Sugar Syrup
Another method to consider is preserving soursop by soaking it in sugar syrup. This technique extends the shelf life to approximately 4-5 months in room temperature conditions.
When storing soursop in the refrigerator's cool compartment, you can extend its shelf life to approximately 6-8 months. Additionally, if you opt for preserving soursop in sugar syrup, use a clean, dry spoon to scoop the fruit each time. Ensure to seal the container tightly, preventing any water from entering to avoid spoilage.
>>> Reference: How to Make Delicious and Crispy Sugar-Preserved Soursop – A Simple Guide
Thus, this article from Mytour has shared with you three methods to keep soursop fresh and delightful throughout the year. Save and apply these tips right away. Thank you for following our article!