Winter Predictions with Persimmons

Each Fall, we look forward to the return of one of our favorite fruits of the season – both for the flavor it adds to our plates and the fun it brings to our gardens.

Persimmons are well loved by the Blackberry Farmstead team and wildlife alike, and it’s often a race to see who can get to them first. When we’re able to collect a few before the woodland critters, it’s the perfect opportunity to send them over to our kitchens and continue a beloved tradition on the Farm.

Weather folklore identifies persimmon seeds as a way to predict the type of Winter we can anticipate in the region. Upon slicing the fruit open and cutting its seed in half, we discover one of three shapes. Based on what’s inside, this folklore predicts specific characteristics for the season.

If the seed reveals a spoon shape, it suggests a Winter with a lot of snow. A knife shape foresees a season filled with icy winds. Finally, a fork shape points to a mild Winter with light snow.

The Blackberry Farm Garden team recently cut open a handful of persimmons, and the seeds all revealed the same shape: spoons! If the weather folklore rings true, this means we can expect “spoonfuls” of snow this Winter in the Great Smoky Mountains.

In addition to being enjoyed on the Farm, this year’s persimmons can be found in the return of a tasty Farmstead product. Our Persimmon Apple Butter combines the persimmons we’ve collected in the Garden with regional apples, a blend of sugars and spices, citrus juices and Jack Daniels. Try it out yourself by ordering a jar from the Blackberry Farm Shop, and join us on the Farm for more special tastes straight from the Garden!