Even though the fruit is relatively hard when harvested, it will bruise easily, so handle with care. Mature, hard astringent persimmons can be stored in the refrigerator for at least a month. They can also be frozen for 6 to 8 months. Nonastringent persimmons can be stored for a short period at room temperature. They will soften if kept with other fruit in the refrigerator.
Persimmons also make an excellent dried fruit.
When firm astringent persimmons are peeled and dried whole they lose all their astringency and develop a sweet, datelike consistency. Persimmons are found in most supermarkets during the season, but there is not a large demand outside ethnic markets. It would appear that there is a potential as a major crop if and when the market is developed. There has been a great deal of confusion and misidentification among persimmon cultivars. The following list is subject to revision as better analysis techniques become available.