Handmade Hoshigaki - One Pound Gift Box

Hoshigaki are whole Hachiya persimmons that have been peeled and hung to dry. They are patiently massaged over a period of several weeks until their texture becomes evenly chewy and moist with a flavor that is at once floral and reminiscent of gingerbread. Over time a fine dusting of natural fructose blooms on the surface of the fruit. The tradition traveled to California from Japan with immigrant farmers.
I learned how to make Hoshigaki from Jeff Rieger, owner of PenrynOrchardSpecialties.com. This year Jeff entrusted me with some of his prized persimmons, and I made this limited edition Hoshigaki from them.