Persimmons ripen in early Autumn, when their honey-flavored fruit can be made into delicious jellies, pudding, curries, and pies.
In North American folklore, persimmon seeds are used to predict the weather. A method used in Ozark folklore is to cut a locally grown persimmon seed in half. The shape of the seed (the cotyledon) inside will forecast the upcoming winter: A spoon shape means heavy snow, a fork shape means a mild winter, and a knife shape means the cold will be cutting.
In the 19th century, the bark and fruit of the persimmon tree were thought to have curative powers and were often used to make remedies for many ailments, including diphtheria, dysentery, and inflammation.
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