As the saying goes, "Walnuts ripen at the start of autumn, and pears at the White Dew; persimmons turn red with their skins at the Cold Dew." Persimmons are in season right now. Rich in vitamins and known for their heat-clearing and lung-moistening properties, persimmons are a favorite fruit for many. Don't be fooled by their ordinary appearance; there are many rules to follow when eating them. How much do you know about eating persimmons?
Autumn Persimmons = Natural Hangover Remedy
Persimmons are also a "natural hangover remedy" and have been used since ancient times as an effective food to prevent drunkenness and alleviate hangovers. The organic acids and tannic acids in persimmons can promote digestion and accelerate alcohol breakdown. Their high sugar and potassium content, along with abundant water, have a diuretic effect, helping the body expel toxins. The rich vitamin C can also enhance liver function, providing a protective effect for the liver. Eating two persimmons after being drunk can relieve headaches the next day. "Although persimmons are nutritious and sweet, they contain tannins and pectin. When combined with stomach acid or protein, they can form persimmon stones, causing digestive problems. Therefore, they should not be eaten on an empty stomach or in excessive amounts."
Persimmon Cakes are More Nutritious than Fresh Persimmons
Persimmon cakes are made by peeling persimmons and drying them naturally in the sun. Those made from "Fuping Jian Persimmons" are of the highest quality and are popular both domestically and internationally. Overall, persimmon cakes are more nutritious than fresh persimmons, with higher levels of many nutrients, including dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Every 100 grams of fresh persimmon contains 9 mg of calcium, while persimmon cakes contain 54 mg. The iron content in fresh persimmons is 9 mg, whereas in persimmon cakes, it is 21 mg. When processed into persimmon cakes, the vitamin A content increases from 20 micrograms to 48 micrograms. However, there is a loss of vitamin C. Furthermore, persimmon cakes are safer than fresh persimmons. The skin of fresh persimmons contains a large amount of tannic acid, which is removed in persimmon cakes. Additionally, persimmon cakes have stronger health benefits. The white powder on the surface of persimmon cakes is sugar that crystallizes during the production process and can be used to treat sore throats, mouth sores, and lung heat.
Eating a Persimmon After a Meal Can Help Relieve Phlegm and Cough
Persimmons are nutritious, containing various sugars, vitamins, and trace elements. Professor Tian Zhengjian, head of the Respiratory Medicine Department at Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, explains that persimmons also have the effects of clearing heat, moistening dryness, and resolving phlegm to stop coughs, making them an excellent health fruit for patients with chronic bronchitis. With the recent sudden drop in temperature, there has been an increase in patients with colds and coughs. Eating a persimmon after a meal can serve as a good complementary treatment for coughs.
Persimmon Skins Are Harmful to the Stomach and Should Not Be Eaten
Medical research has shown that tannic acid, which can harm the stomach and intestines, is mainly found in the flesh of unripe persimmons. However, after the persimmon ripens, the tannic acid concentrates in the skin. This is why the skin of a ripe persimmon has an astringent, puckery taste.
The tannic acid in persimmons reacts with proteins in food under the action of stomach acid to form a precipitate known as a persimmon stone. This can easily cause upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, and loss of appetite. Therefore, do not eat unpeeled persimmons, and do not eat them on an empty stomach.
How to Eat Persimmons
1. Do not eat them when you are hungry.
2. Do not eat too many at once; one or two is sufficient.
3. Eat them only after they are fully ripe.
4. People with poor digestive function should eat fewer persimmons, especially those with an astringent taste.