The Curious Case of Persimmon Pudding

Hey there!

Alright, check this out: I was at my usual coffee spot last week (creaky floorboards and all), and, even though I wasn’t exactly eavesdropping, I totally overheard this conversation. Two people next to me were chatting away about some holiday eats and one of ’em goes, “Oh, my gran’s persimmon pudding is unbelievable.”

Hold up. Persi-what-now?

Now, I know a persimmon when I see one, but never heard of it in pudding form.? So, long story short, I did some late-night Google-fu.

The Pudding’s Deep Dive

What I found out is quite fascinating! This isn’t just a pudding; it’s of tradition, culture, and evolution in a dish. That’s exactly the kind of thing I like to research.

Persimmon pudding, as it turns out, has deep roots, especially in the American Midwest. Before settlers even set foot here, Native Americans were making their own versions using wild persimmons. The settlers incorporated ingredients from their homeland, and it would gradually evolve into the dessert we recognize today. Especially during tough times like the Great Depression, when folks needed a delightful and economical dessert, persimmon pudding was a natural choice. The fruit was in abundance, and the pudding was rich and filling.

Today’s Persimmon Pudding Renaissance

Fast forward to today, and this dish is having a renaissance of sorts, with modern culinary folks (hi!) valuing it for its rich historical background as much as for its unique taste.

Now, Over to You

But here’s my question to you: Have you heard of persimmon pudding before? Did your grandma make it every Christmas? Was it a staple at your family’s Thanksgiving table? Or are you, like me, just hearing about it and want to give it a try? (I’ll post a recipe after I do some experimenting.)

I’m all ears and super curious. Drop your stories, recipes, or even just a “yes, I’ve had it!” in the comments below. I want to know!