The keyword for a ripe persimmon is definitely “luscious”. Funny thing how here in the west persimmon’s have the reputation for being mouth-puckeringly tart, but the truth (known so well in China and Japan) is that a ripe persimmon is beautifully, delicately, mildly custard-like. And luscious.

My grocery stores have lots of ripe persimmons right now, so hopefully you can find some lusciously ripe ones in your neck of the woods as well.

A good thing, because the healthifying benefits of persimmon are not to be snuffed at.

The Health Benefits of Persimmon

Persimmons are high in soluble fiber (the cholesterol-lowering “oatmeal” kind rather than the “celery” kind…). They’re also crazy-rich in phytonutrients — flavonoids, polyphenols, polysaccharides… the good stuff that makes your body “sing” and feel all juicy and revitalized, even if you don’t exactly understand the down & dirty of how that’s happening.

They’re also rich in beta carotene, super-high in vitamin A and a respectable source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Add that to the wildly energizing & healthifying benefits of the fresh aloe vera gel in this smoothie, and it’s really just a wonderful one to add to your rejuvenating arsenal!

And they’re just to dang luscious.

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Recipe for: Persimmon-Fresh Aloe Vera Gel Smoothie

• 2 ripe (soft to touch) persimmons, peeled and the little inner seed taken out
• gel cut out fresh from 1 aloe vera leaf (cut the skin away and scoop/slice the gel out with your knife)
• spring water to 32 oz.
• 2 heaping cups ice
• agave nectar or raw honey (optional)

Blend everything up til smooth and enjoy! I did not find it necessary to add any sweetener to mine and very much enjoyed the mild, refreshingly delicate flavor of persimmon!

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