A sure sign that November is here is the warm orange glow emanating from many stalls at the market. This deep red-orange luminescence comes from what is known throughout much of the world as kaki (a Japanese word, pronounced ‘kah-kee’), a fruit we know as persimmon. ‘Persimmon’ is a variant of an Algonquin name ‘pessamin’...Read More

Drying persimmons is easy, with or without a dehydrator. Your kitchen oven will do the job just fine. Dried persimmon slices make delicious snacks or can be added to salads, cookies, cereal, or bread. The trick for best results is to use a mandoline or Benriner slicer to make certain the persimmon slices are even....Read More

Which kind of pumpkin is best for baking? Smaller is better – large field pumpkins, which are specially bred for Halloween jack-o-lanterns, are generally too tough and stringy for baking. Choose “pie” or "sugar" pumpkins or other flavorful varieties, such as Sugar Baby. Small and sweet, with dark orange-colored flesh, they're perfect for pies, muffins,...Read More