Persimmons are possibly the most beautiful fruit tree - perfectly shaped with exquisite autumn leaves - and small enough for even courtyard gardens. Ask your local nursery for the variety best suited to your area.
Which variety
Any of the new varieties are good - much sweeter than the old ones.
How to grow
Persimmons need well drained soil, and suit sub-tropical to very cold climates.
Don't panic if they don't grow for a year or two - persimmons can sulk. Avoid early ripening varieties in fruit fly areas (ask your nursery when you buy the tree).
Harvest
Pick when brightly coloured; don't wait till they are soft - the birds will eat them; late varieties hang on the tree after the leaves fall looking ravishingly pretty - like smooth orange lanterns - but if yours is an early variety or you're in a hot climate, they won't.
Eat fresh; if by any chance you have a hundred trees and excess fruit, slice it and dry it for winter chook and pig food.
I've seen recipes for persimmon beer, icecream, chutney, jam, sorbet, muffins and sauce. If you happen to like persimmons try standard recipes for any of those, adding persimmon instead of other flavourings. (The persimmon beer was made like ginger beer, but with persimmon instead. It sounded disgusting!)
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