Fruit of Persimon

The Persimon bears a small, round, dull red fruit, about an inch in diameter, containing six or seven stones; it is insufferably austere and bitter, until the autumnal frosts have mellowed it and lessened its harshness, when it becomes quite palatable. Considerable quantities of the fruit are annually brought into New York market and its vicinity, from New Jersey, and sold: the produce is very abundant, a single tree often yielding several bushels. A strong brandy has been distilled from them; and in the south they are said to enter into the composition of the country beer. For the latter purpose they are pounded up with bran, dried, and kept for use till wanted.