Quick seasonal persimmon smoothie

This time of year is perfect for using up those oh-so ripe Persimmons. We have a Hachiya persimmon tree and right now, it looks like a Christmas tree with bright orange persimmons as baubles.

The Hachiya persimmons are the heart shaped fruits that have to be eaten ONLY when really, really, really soft! They are terribly astringent beforehand - meaning that they dry your mouth out uncomfortably. It is the Fuyu persimmons that you can eat crunchy. Don't mistake the two, as you'll get a shock! Select Hachiya persimmons that feel like they are about to fall apart in your hand. Very squidgy is perfect...if you are in any doubt - leave it - or I dare you to try it and learn what astringency really is!  In England, the persimmons you get there are called Sharon Fruit.  They are a modified species like the hachiya but no longer astringent.

With all the rich foods we tend to eat this time of year, substituting a meal with a green smoothie is a great idea - even if this "green smoothie" is actually orange! Persimmons are low in calories, rich in fiber, contain many health benefiting phyto-nutrients and anti-oxidants as well as good levels of minerals. Then there are all the benefits of eating/drinking the greens!

My smoothie recipes tend to be simple and make use of what I have and what needs using up. Here's what I made this morning:

Persimmon Smoothie Recipe: (serves two)
6 hachiya persimmons
1/2 cup of water (can be increased or decreased to your preference, whether you like thick or runny smoothies)
2 handfuls of variety of lettuce (I used romaine and some mixed leaves)
3 inches from the top of a head of celery (include leaves).

Halve the persimmons and scoop out the pulp, leaving the little white stalk/core part that you can see in this photo. I use a grapefruit spoon to do this, with the little teeth to get all the pulp out.

Put all the ingredients in the order listed in a Vitamix or powerful blender. Blend for a few seconds until smooth. Enjoy!



Stay healthy this Christmas-time.