* The white powder on the dried persimmons is naturally occurring glucose and fructose from the drying process. It is safe to consume as it is.
Dried persimmon of Korean fall and winter
Autumn in Korea is filled with yellow and red leaves, and with rich harvest. In winter, the country is covered in white from snowy weather. The one traditional food that represents these two seasons the best is dried persimmon. Orange red persimmons on the tree represent autumn, the season in which they are harvested, and the white powder transformed from glucose when dried represent the snowy winter.
The effort and time of the farmers during autumn and winter, from the moment the persimmons are harvested and then dried with their peels removed, are all included in the fruits.
* Persimmons with their peels removed and stalk ends organized for the drying process.
* Persimmons hanged to be dried.
Persimmons from Sangju Area
Sangju in Gyeongsangbuk-do is the most famous in Korea for their persimmons. Their fruits have been recognized as the best for a long time, with records indicating that they were the first to be served to the king in the past.
Sangju is an area with lots of warm sunshine and fresh air, with suitable soil to grow top quality fruits. Moreover, its unique basin topography provides the best condition for the fruit to be well dried. The flow of air, lighting, temperature and humidity are all important factors for the persimmons to dry naturally, and in these aspects, Sangju has the optimum natural environment for the best quality.
The dried persimmons of Sangju are made from “Dungsigam”, the area’s native species of persimmon, its name from the particularly round shape of this species.
The dried persimmons of Sangju are made from “Dungsigam”, the area’s native species of persimmon, its name from the particularly round shape of this species.
Dried persimmons, scarier than tigers
There is an old folk tale in Korea related to dried persimmons. The traditional fairy tale is titled “The tiger and the dried persimmon”, and the story depicts how the foolish tiger flees from the village, from being misled that the dried persimmon is scarier than it is.
“One night, when the tiger came down to the village and hid at the barn, he overheard a mother comforting a crying kid. The mother said “don’t cry, the tiger is here”, but the kid kept on crying. So the tiger thought the kid was a brave one who isn’t afraid of him. Then, when the mother handed over a dried persimmon, the kid stopped crying. The tiger thought that the dried persimmon must be a scarier being than him. At that moment, a cow thief came into the barn and mounted the tiger, thinking it is a cow. Tiger on the other hand, believed that it was the dried persimmon, and ran for his life. When it dawned, the thief found out that he was on a tiger and leaped off as quickly as he can. The tiger thought that he was now safe and kept running away”.
This story that a kid who didn’t stop crying even when told the tiger is coming but did stop and smile when given a dried persimmon, explains how tasty it is.
* Sangju Durae dried persimmon gift set, one of the most famous of Sangju dried persimmons
Traditional Korean food, rich in nutrition
The best season to enjoy the Korean traditional food, dried persimmon, is in December and January. It is also a popular gift, as it is one of the foods used for ancestral rites table in Korea.
In the west, permissions are not as popular, as the tannin in the fruit can cause constipation. However, this is not an issue with dried persimmons because when dried, effects of tannin are mitigated and such problems do not occur.
Dried persimmons are also perfect for people who do not enjoy the sour and bitter taste of persimmons. Korean dried persimmons are made from bitter ones, but the tannin that gives this bitter taste undergoes transformation, and only the sweet taste is left.
Not only do dried persimmons taste good, but they are also very nutritious. When dried, the persimmons’ sugar content increases 3 to 4 times and become more nutritious. Dried persimmons have 8 to 10 times more vitamin C than apples and also have high content of vitamin A, making them a great source for multiple vitamins. They also contain calcium, carotene and protein.
Dried persimmons are efficient for people with high blood pressure. They are also useful when stomachache occurs, as they tend to stop diarrhea. The white powder that covers the dried persimmons also have shown efficacy in strengthening stamina. Finally, as they are low in calorie, it is suitable for people who are on a diet.
In Donguibogam, a book on Korean traditional medicine, it is stated that ‘dried persimmons help recover one’s physical strength, ease stomach disorders, remove the bad blood in stomach, is effective for cough and phlegm, help stop hemoptysis, and help ease sore throat’. Moreover, it is mentioned that ‘dried persimmons help ease hangover and ease upset stomach from eating pork’.
In the west, permissions are not as popular, as the tannin in the fruit can cause constipation. However, this is not an issue with dried persimmons because when dried, effects of tannin are mitigated and such problems do not occur.
Dried persimmons are also perfect for people who do not enjoy the sour and bitter taste of persimmons. Korean dried persimmons are made from bitter ones, but the tannin that gives this bitter taste undergoes transformation, and only the sweet taste is left.
Not only do dried persimmons taste good, but they are also very nutritious. When dried, the persimmons’ sugar content increases 3 to 4 times and become more nutritious. Dried persimmons have 8 to 10 times more vitamin C than apples and also have high content of vitamin A, making them a great source for multiple vitamins. They also contain calcium, carotene and protein.
Dried persimmons are efficient for people with high blood pressure. They are also useful when stomachache occurs, as they tend to stop diarrhea. The white powder that covers the dried persimmons also have shown efficacy in strengthening stamina. Finally, as they are low in calorie, it is suitable for people who are on a diet.
In Donguibogam, a book on Korean traditional medicine, it is stated that ‘dried persimmons help recover one’s physical strength, ease stomach disorders, remove the bad blood in stomach, is effective for cough and phlegm, help stop hemoptysis, and help ease sore throat’. Moreover, it is mentioned that ‘dried persimmons help ease hangover and ease upset stomach from eating pork’.
* The inside of a semi-dried persimmon looks like ripe persimmon.
Types of dried persimmon
Fully dried: This type of dried persimmon was the one most commonly served to the king. It has a very chewy taste and one can taste its original full flavor.
Semi-dried: This type of dried persimmon has approximately 40% of moisture removed during its drying process, giving it two different flavors. On the outside, it tastes like a fully dried persimmon and on the inside, it tastes like a ripe persimmon. It tastes sweet like a jelly and is popular for its soft flavor.
Dishes with dried persimmon
Sujeonggwa (persimmon punch): This is a traditional Korean tea, where dried persimmons are added to water boiled with ginger, and pine nuts are added at the end. Tannin from dried persimmon and ferric pine nuts help prevent anemia and constipation.
* Dried persimmon ssam (walnut wrapped in dried persimmon)
Photo courtesy of: Taste of Happy Yellow Flower–To Daughter#(http://blog.naver.com/mimi030630)
Dried persimmon ssam (walnut wrapped in dried persimmon): dried persimmons with their seed and stalk removed are thinly spread, and then rolled and sliced with the walnut inside. It arouses appetite with its colorful and tasty looking appearance, and as consumption of dried persimmons and walnuts together reduces the level of bad cholesterols, the two are a great combination.
Dried persimmon porridge: Rice and dried persimmons with their seed and stalk removed are added to warm water in a pot. It should be well stirred until the rice turns transparent, and salt is added for seasoning. Honey can be used additionally depending on individual taste. There is an old saying in Korea, ‘did you have dried persimmon porridge’, meaning that that person looks that happy and excited.
Barley bread, chips, and cookies made with dried persimmons are also popular traditional desserts. The barley bread has dried persimmon jam inside, and chips and cookies are made with dried persimmon powder. There are also rice wine and wine made with this traditional food.
Meeting the Korean masterpiece with dearest people
One can meet dried persimmons at various festivals as well. Some of the famous ones are Nonsan Yangchon Dried Persimmon Festival in Chungnam(Nov), Yeongdong Dried Persimmons Festival in Chungbuk(Dec), Sangju Dried Persimmon Festival in GyeongBuk (Dec) and Sancheong Dried Persimmon Festival in Jirisan, GyeongNam (Jan).
Korean dried persimmons are born from the right mixture of effort and devotion of many people, of autumn and winter hours and of agreeable natural environment. It is definitely a masterpiece of Korea, its colors representing that of autumn, and the white powder that of snowy winter.
Dried persimmons maintain their soft texture, even when stored in freezers. It helps warm up the body, so is helpful for people who are sensitive to cold. How about spending some warm and sweet times with our loved ones and dried persimmons? Enjoying the food with children and telling them its old folk tale also sounds like a great idea. I hope that the sweet taste of dried persimmons can help bring smile to all those we love.
※ Dried persimmon price and store information
The price ranges from 20,000 won to 100,000 won, depending on number, type, and size of the dried persimmons (20 Sangju Durae semi-dried persimmons, 1.2 kg, 32,000 won)
It can be bought at traditional markets, supermarkets and department stores.
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