Spiced Persimmon Fruit Spread
Indulge in the rich, velvety essence of our Spiced Persimmon Fruit Spread, a delightful treat that captures the unique flavor of ripened persimmons. This spread offers a perfect blend of sweetness and tang, enhanced by a splash of orange juice. Ideal for breakfast on toast, as a topping for desserts, or as a special addition to cheeseboards, this recipe hails from the Mississippi Valley chapter of the United States Regional Cookbook, Culinary Arts Institute of Chicago, published in 1947. With an easy-to-follow process, you'll soon have jars of this delicious spread to enjoy or share with friends and family.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Persimmon Pulp
2 quarts (Scoop out from ripe persimmons, discard skins and seeds)
Orange Juice
1 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Granulated Sugar
variable (Add 3/4 cup for each cup of persimmon pulp)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing your persimmons. Cut them in half and scoop out the pulp, discarding the skins and seeds.
2
In a double boiler, combine the persimmon pulp with the freshly squeezed orange juice. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3
Once the pulp and orange juice mixture has thickened, measure the total volume. For every cup of fruit pulp, add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir well to combine.
4
Continue cooking the mixture over low heat, stirring regularly, until it reaches your desired consistency—around 20-30 minutes. The spread should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5
While the persimmon butter is cooking, prepare your canning jars by sanitizing them. Once the mixture is ready, pour the hot spread into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
6
Seal the jars with lids and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they are preserved properly. Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Persimmon Fruit Spread?
It is a rich, velvety fruit condiment made from ripened persimmons, orange juice, and sugar, offering a blend of sweetness and tang.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe hails from the Mississippi Valley chapter of the United States Regional Cookbook, Culinary Arts Institute of Chicago, published in 1947.
How many ingredients are needed for this spread?
The recipe requires three main ingredients: persimmon pulp, orange juice, and granulated sugar.
How do I prepare the persimmons?
Cut the ripened persimmons in half and scoop out the pulp, ensuring you discard the skins and seeds.
What equipment is used to cook the pulp initially?
A double boiler is used to combine the persimmon pulp and orange juice to prevent sticking while the mixture thickens.
What is the ratio of sugar to persimmon pulp?
For every 1 cup of fruit pulp measured after the initial thickening, you should add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar.
How long does the final cooking process take?
The mixture should be cooked over low heat for approximately 20 to 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
How do I know when the spread is finished cooking?
The spread is ready when it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
How should I prepare the jars for canning?
Jars should be sanitized and sterilized before pouring in the hot fruit spread.
How much headspace should be left in the jars?
Leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of the jars before sealing.
What is the processing time for the water bath?
Process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper preservation.
How should the jars be stored?
Once cooled completely, store the jars in a cool, dark place.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
The recipe recommends freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor, though bottled can be used if necessary.
What type of persimmons are best for this recipe?
Ripened persimmons are required so that the pulp can be easily scooped and the flavor is naturally sweet.
Is this spread suitable for breakfast?
Yes, it is ideal for serving on toast or as a topping for various breakfast items.
Can I serve this on a cheeseboard?
Absolutely, the sweet and tangy profile makes it a special addition to any cheeseboard.
Does the recipe contain any added fat or cholesterol?
Based on the ingredients list, this fruit spread is naturally free of fat and cholesterol.
How much pulp do I need to start with?
The recipe calls for approximately 2 quarts of persimmon pulp.
Can I add extra spices like cinnamon?
While the traditional recipe focuses on the fruit and orange juice, you can add warm spices to enhance the 'spiced' nature of the spread.
Is the consistency more like a jam or a butter?
The consistency is similar to a fruit butter, as it is thick, smooth, and velvety.
What should I do if the spread is too thin?
Continue cooking the mixture over low heat, stirring regularly, until more moisture evaporates and it thickens.
Can I use this as a dessert topping?
Yes, it works beautifully as a topping for cakes, puddings, or vanilla ice cream.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe consists only of fruit and sugar, making it suitable for a vegan diet.
How many quarts of pulp does the recipe yield initially?
The preparation starts with 2 quarts of scooped persimmon pulp.
Do I need to peel the persimmons?
No, you simply cut them in half and scoop the pulp out, discarding the skins.
Why do I need to measure the pulp after the first boil?
You measure the volume after thickening to accurately calculate the 3/4 cup of sugar needed for every cup of pulp.
Can I freeze this instead of canning?
While the recipe specifies water bath canning for shelf stability, you can store the spread in the freezer if using freezer-safe containers.
What temperature should the cooking heat be?
The initial thickening uses medium heat in a double boiler, while the final stage uses low heat.
How much orange juice is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
Yes, all ingredients used in this persimmon spread are naturally gluten-free.