A persimmon is a temperate fruit with a distinctive sweet flavor and little acidity. It's known for its attractive appearance, often changing from green to yellow-orange or red as it matures. Persimmons have a unique characteristic: high levels of soluble tannins, which can cause a bitter, astringent taste. Some cultivars are sweet and have less astringency, while others are highly astringent and lose it as the fruit softens.