Persimmon, the fruit which is actually a berry!

I tried this fruit (o.k, berry...), in season now, the other day and it was quite an experience actually...! First I was thinking, wow, it's wonderful! It was sweet and had this soft smooth consistence. But then suddenly it became acrid and left the tongue dry and kind of shaggy...!

Persimmon, called λωτός (lotós)in Greek, has to be more ripe if you want to avoid the acrid taste. When the colour is dark orange / red and the skin has started to crack they are ready to eat.

It doesn't seem common to be used for marmelade, but I think it would fit for that - I'll ask my aunt on Crete!
Kiki with the blog Mikri Kouzina has a recipe for Persimmon Liqueur (in Greek).

In Greek mythology, in the Odyssey, λωτοφάγοι (lotus-eaters) are mentioned like narcotic and making people sleepy, but it might refer to another fruit with a similar name.

At Ezine articles I read that Persimons is loaded with fibers and vitamin A, it treats diarrhea, the fruit probably prevents cancer, but they also write that it can be dangerous! It is possible that unripe Persimmons can create a bezoar in the stomach.

Καλή εβδομάδα! 
Have a nice week!
☼☼☼

Medicinal uses of Persimmon