This Forgotten Missouri Fruit Makes the Best Pie You’ve Never Tried

This time of year, you may encounter a debate about whether you prefer pumpkin pie or sweet potato pie, but there is another option that maybe you haven’t tried. Persimmon pie.

Not pumpkin pie, not sweet potato pie --it's persimmon pie

It’s fair if you have dismissed anything persimmon flavored if you got tricked into sampling an unripe persimmon and you involuntarily puckered for the next hour. But when fully ripe and mushy persimmons are a unique option. You want to grab the attention of your extended family for a fall get together? Prepare persimmon pie.

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In appearance persimmon pie looks like a pumpkin or sweet potato pie, but the flavor profile is kind of pumpkin like, but with a fruity twist mixed with fall flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg. The texture is creamy and smooth much like a pumpkin pie.

Persimmon harvest time is almost here

Harvesting will soon begin for the native persimmon in Missouri, as they are ready following the first frost. You can find them in the wild, just make sure they are a little wrinkly and soft when you pick them. That’s how you know they are ripe and ready. You may also be able to find some at a farmer’s market, but because of the small window for harvest, you almost never see persimmons in the produce section at the grocery store. Be adventurous and mix it up this fall with a different kind of pie. Persimmon pie might just be a new family favorite if you give it a try.