Picking a persimmon is a tactile sport. For Fuyus, you want a firm feel—like a ripe bell pepper. No give, no drama. For Hachiyas, you want the opposite of firm.
Here’s your new mantra for Hachiyas: “Squishy is safe.” It should feel like a water balloon full of jam. If you press gently and it leaves a dent, you’ve hit the jackpot. If it’s hard, walk away. It’s a trap.
One old farmer told me: “If you can’t squish it between your thumb and finger, it’ll squish your ego.” That’s poetry, right?
