Harvesting The time to harvest Oriental persimmons is normally signaled by the first frost. Picking a little early prevents loosing fruit to birds and other wildlife. Harvest astringent varieties while they are still hard but after the color has fully developed. They ripen after picking if stored at room temperature and are ready to eat when they soften to the texture of pudding. Nonastringent varieties are ready to harvest when they have reached full color.
Flavor is better if they are permitted to soften before eating.
It is best not to pull the fruit when harvesting it. Even firm fruit bruises easily, so handle with care. Mature, hard astringent persimmons can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 or 5 weeks. They may be frozen and kept for 6 to 8 months. They soften and are ready to eat when thawed.