Hoshigaki Taste Test 干し柿（ほしがき）

Have you eaten かき（柿, kaki, persimmon）?

It is not a common fruit in Newfoundland. Persimmon is an orange coloured fruit and harvested in the autumn. There are varieties that come in two distinct categories; either astringent (渋柿、しぶがき shibugaki) or regular (甘柿、あまがき amagaki). 　

                                  あまがき (amagaki)　　　　　　　しぶがき (shibugaki)

Shibui (astringent) +Kaki (persimmon) = Shibugaki 

Amai (sweet) + Kaki (persimmon) = Amagaki

しぶがき that is not over-ripe cannot be eaten. 　

How do Japanese people eat しぶがき?

ほしがき (干し柿, hoshigaki, dried persimmons) is the most common way it is eaten in Japan. We remove the skin and hang them on a string outside.

My students enjoyed ほしがき from Japan. This ほしがき was grown at one of my Japanese friend’s field and he dried them.

Most of the students enjoyed eating ほしがき very much.

ほしがき (hoshigaki)

Tiffany

 Oishikatta! (It was yummy. )

Brandon

It was very good! I really liked it the last time I had it and have been looking forward to it since then, it didn't disappoint!

Evelina

 It has a sort of refined sweet taste and is very chewy. There is a "secret" carrot-like taste. I think it is very good in and of itself.

Damien

 I really like the taste, it reminds me of a plum. 

 Jordan

It has a unique taste to it; not too sweet, but overall an intriguing taste to it.

Damien

Miranda

David

 It reminds me a little of a dried date. Umai desu (its delicious)!

Alyshia

 I really didn't like it. I wouldn't eat that again.