The persimmon is a seasonal fruit, recognized for its rich, honey-like sweetness when fully ripe. While the soft, orange flesh is the primary attraction, the seeds found within possess unique physical characteristics. Their appearance changes depending on the specific species of fruit. This exploration provides a detailed visual description of the persimmon seed.
External Characteristics of Persimmon Seeds
Persimmon seeds are typically substantial and possess a hard, protective casing, much larger than the small pips found in apples. Generally, they are oblong or teardrop-shaped, sometimes appearing slightly flattened, and their size is comparable to a small bean. A single ripe fruit can contain anywhere from zero to six seeds, though varieties with four to six seeds are common in wild or uncultivated fruits.
The exterior of a mature persimmon seed presents a glossy, smooth finish, contributing to its hard, stone-like texture. Their color ranges from a light, reddish-tan hue to a darker, deep reddish-brown, often darkening as they dry out. The surface is not perfectly uniform and may display faint ridges or a slightly pointed tip at one end.
The seeds are firmly embedded within the fruit’s thick, sometimes sticky pulp, requiring some effort to separate them cleanly. In commercially grown, non-astringent varieties, like the ‘Fuyu,’ seeds are often absent entirely, but they are a consistent feature in many astringent types.
Structural Variation Across Species
The appearance of a persimmon seed varies noticeably between the two most widely known species: the American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) and the Asian persimmon (Diospyros kaki). Seeds from the American species are typically smaller and tend to be more rounded in shape. For example, American persimmon seeds have been documented to range in length from approximately 6 to 17 millimeters.
In contrast, the seeds of the Asian persimmon are often flatter and somewhat larger, reflecting the generally greater size of the fruit itself. The most remarkable structural detail is revealed when a seed is cut open lengthwise. Inside the hard, brown shell is a pale, white inner material called the endosperm, which is the nutrient-rich tissue that feeds the developing plant embryo.
When bisected, the endosperm reveals a unique, dark central structure that resembles a miniature silhouette of a utensil. This distinctive pattern is a consistent feature, regardless of the seed’s overall size or species.
Safety and Folklore
While the seeds themselves are not considered toxic, they are extremely hard and are not meant to be eaten. Swallowing a single seed usually causes no harm, as it will pass through the digestive system. However, consuming them in large quantities is not advised, as the coarse, hard material could potentially cause mechanical irritation to the intestinal lining, particularly in individuals with pre-existing digestive conditions.
The internal utensil-shaped structure of the endosperm is the basis for a well-known piece of agricultural folklore, predominantly associated with the American persimmon. According to this belief, the shape inside a split seed predicts the severity of the coming winter. A shape resembling a fork is said to forecast a mild winter with light, fluffy snow.
Finding a shape that looks like a spoon supposedly indicates a winter with heavy, wet snow, requiring a person to “shovel”. If the endosperm shows a distinct knife shape, the folklore suggests a bitterly cold winter where the wind will “cut like a knife”.