technically a berry, yellow-orange fruit from 1.5 to 9 cm (0.5 to 4 in) in diameter, that may be spherical, acorn-, or pumpkin-shaped, eaten fresh, dried, raw, or cooked. The ripe fruit have a high glucose content. There are astringent and non-astringent types of persimmon. Astringent persimmons (like heart-shaped Hachiya) contain very high levels of soluble tannins if eaten before completely softened. Persimmons contain high levels of dietary fiber, phenolic compounds, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and manganese, vitamin C and beta carotene, and compounds with possible anti-tumor properties betulinic acid and shibuol. Regular consumption might improve cardiovascular health and fat metabolism. The excessive absorption of tannic acid, however, can make the tongue become numb and induce gastric diseases. Crab and sweet potatoes combined with persimmons could trigger gastric issues too, possibly because proteins and tannins form insoluble complexes under some conditions. Persimmons can lower blood pressure, and are not recommended to be eaten up to 2 weeks before and after surgery.
