Predicting Weather Using a Persimmon Seed

What Is a Persimmon, Anyway?

Persimmons are small orange fruits that are less well-known than plums or peaches, but they can be found in some grocery stores and farmers’ markets during autumn. The American persimmon trees (Diospyros virginiana) grow wild in USDA Zones 4 to 9, while Japanese persimmon trees (Diospyros kaki) thrive in only the warmer part of that range—Zones 7 to 9. Before they’re ripe, the fruit has a very astringent taste, but this mellows as the fruit softens. You’ll want to get your hands on an American persimmon with seeds for weather forecasting.

How to Predict Weather With a Persimmon Seed

1. Find a locally grown persimmon. (A locally grown persimmon is necessary because it will reflect local conditions!) Wait to pick the fruit or cut into the fruit until after it gets a bit soft—almost mushy.

2. Open the fruit and cut open a persimmon seed. 

4. Look at the shape of the kernel inside:

• If the kernel is spoon-shaped, expect plenty of snow to shovel.
• If it is fork-shaped, plan on a mild winter with powdery, light snow.
• If the kernel is knife-shaped, expect frigid winds that will “cut” like a blade.

That’s all there is to it! Now, cut open a persimmon and tell us what you see in the comments below. Don’t forget to include your location, too!

Here’s a close-up of a spoon. Get out the shovel!

Remember: Predicting with a persimmon seed is a fun, unscientific way to come up with a winter forecast. 

Compare against the Winter Weather Forecast in the latest Old Farmer’s Almanac and learn how we predict the weather.

Fun Persimmon Recipes to Try This Fall

Persimmons have a unique fall flavor that is similar to pumpkin. A ripe persimmon has a “squishy” body and a creamy texture, so it’s often considered a baking fruit, adding its sweet flavor and moistness to pudding, bread, and pie. Persimmons can also be made into dried fruit, jam, ice cream, and even alcohol. Ripen persimmons at room temperature—place in a paper bag to speed up ripening.

Persimmon Pudding

Persimmon pudding is the classic way to enjoy this fruit! The baked dessert has the taste of pumpkin and the texture of gingerbread! The persimmon pudding recipe below is from the “Indiana Nut Growers Cookbook” (1995), courtesy of the Indiana Nut and Fruit Growers Association.  

Ingredients

2 cups persimmon pulp
2 cups sugar
3 small eggs
1/2 stick (4 Tablespoons) margarine
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup buttermilk
1-3/4 cups sweet cream (or milk)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 Tablespoons additional persimmon pulp
1-3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

1. Mix together the persimmon pulp, sugar, and eggs.
2. Mix baking soda with buttermilk and add to the mixture in the bowl.
3. Melt margarine in a baking pan and add to the mixture.
4. Sift flour and baking powder together and add alternately with cream or milk.  Add cinnamon and mix well.
5. Fold in the additional 2 Tablespoons persimmon pulp.
6. Pour into 13 x 9-inch metal pan and bake at 350 °F for 55-60 minutes.  Be careful not to bake over.

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, and enjoy!

Have you tried predicting the weather with a persimmon? Comment below with your persimmon seed shape and location!

Another favorite tradition for predicting winter weather is to use a woolly bear caterpillar.