How long does it take for persimmons to freeze and become less astringent

Persimmons can become astringent after being frozen for 3-7 days. The speed of de astringency is related to factors such as persimmon variety, maturity, and freezing temperature. Persimmon flesh that is completely de astringent will become softer and sweeter.

Freezing de astringency is the use of low temperature to disrupt the cell structure of persimmon fruits and promote the transformation of tannins. Wash and dry the fresh persimmons, then place them in a sealed bag. After venting, place them in a freezer at minus 18 degrees Celsius. After 3 days, the flesh begins to soften, the tannins gradually degrade, and the astringency weakens. If there is still a slight astringency after 7 days, the freezing time can be extended or left at room temperature for 1-2 days to promote post ripening. After being frozen and de astringent, persimmons should be consumed as soon as possible. Thawing can cause the meat to become soft and sticky, making it suitable for direct consumption or making persimmon sauce. Some late maturing varieties or unripe persimmons may require a longer period of time to remove astringency. If the fruit still feels astringent after being frozen for more than 10 days, it may be related to the high tannin content of the fruit itself. You can try to store it together with ethylene releasing fruits such as apples and bananas in a sealed container to accelerate de astringency. It should be noted that prolonged freezing time may cause excessive softening of the fruit pulp, affecting its taste.

It is recommended to remove the skin from the astringent persimmons and consume them to avoid residual tannins that may irritate the mouth. It is advisable to control the daily intake at 1-2, and those with weak gastrointestinal function should reduce their intake. Frozen persimmons can be paired with yogurt and nuts to balance nutrition, but should not be eaten with high protein foods to avoid affecting digestion. If discomfort such as numbness in the tongue and bloating occurs after consumption, immediately stop eating and drink warm water to relieve it.