The persimmon: A bitter, then sweet autumn treat

The native persimmon has small fruit with lots of seeds, making them difficult to eat, even when ripe. They are known to attract deer and other wildlife. (Photo by Bob Mirabello/LSU AgCenter)
If you happen to be taking a walk in the all-too-brief temperate weather of October in Louisiana and stumble upon a tree with wide leaves and beautiful, yellow-orange fruit, don’t think about picking one and taking a bite. You will be in for a bitter disappointment. That’s because what you’ve likely encountered is a persimmon tree, one that will eventually produce deliciously sweet fruit that—…

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