Late fall, after the first frost, persimmon trees lay claim to their genus name: Diospyros. Dios (divine) and pyros (wheat) refers to the edible fruits of the tree-"fruit of the gods." The globe shaped orange fruits are food for many small mammals, such as raccoons, opossums, foxes and skunks. People enjoy them too and use the persimmon in pies, puddings and breads. Avoid the unripe persimmon fruits which are very tart and their astringent taste can linger for hours. Any fruit that is even slightly hard should be left un-eaten!

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