Predicting Winter with Persimmons

Each season we look forward to the traditions and knowledge that our artisans share about the shift to a new time of year. Beyond the science of the season, there are tales and tricks passed down for generations as a way of predicting what’s on the horizon.

As the persimmons are falling, soft and ready to enjoy, beyond adding a staple Fall flavor to our menu, weather folklore says this little fruit can predict Winter weather. Intrigued?

Use locally-grown persimmons so your fruit reflects the proper regional conditions. Cut the fruit open, and pull out the seeds. As a tip, wiping off the seed makes it easier to hold steady for the next step.

Stand the seed on its side and align your knife on the thin edge to cut the seed in half long-way.

Look at the shape of the kernel inside. Is it a fork, knife or spoon?

If you see a spoon shape, you can expect lots of snow – spoonfuls, or rather, shovels full of snow!

If your kernel reveals a knife, anticipate icy wind that will “cut” like a knife.

If the kernel is a fork shape, you’re predicted to experience a mild Winter with softer, light snow.

So what’s in the kernels for Blackberry Farm? We gathered a handful of persimmons from the Farm and brought them to the kitchen. We cut the first – spoon. We cut a few more to test the odds. Four spoons later, it looks like it’s going to be a snowy Winter on the Farm!