In season late winter: Persimmons

This fruit (pronounced per-SIM-mon) resembles a large, firm, orange/red tomato. The melon-like sweet flesh has a star-shaped pattern. The main areas where New Zealand persimmons are grown are Gisborne and North and South Auckland.

Buying

Choose firm, even-coloured, orange/red fruit.

Storing

Keep persimmons at room temperature as chilled fruit go soft more quickly.

Using persimmons

A ripe persimmon can be eaten fresh once peeled. An ideal winter fruit with the immune-boosting antioxidants vitamins A, C and E. Try a fruit salad with sliced persimmon, orange segments, dried figs soaked in orange juice and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve with low-fat vanilla yoghurt. Chunks of fresh persimmon can be added to cakes – try it with your next apple or banana cake.