Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Winter Weather Forecast Using Persimmon Seeds


The branches of the wild persimmon tree are hanging low
this time of year, heavy with ripening fruit sweet and sticky, 
that will become Fall treats for roaming deer, raccoon, 
opossum and other wildlife that happen by.

 These wild persimmons are quite a bit smaller than 
your grocery store variety, full of heavy brown seeds
that provide a glimpse into the upcoming winter weather
if you believe in folk legend.  It's at least as accurate as
the forecasters so I'll lean towards the persimmon's story.

If you wait until they are very ripe the seeds will be easier 
to open.  They should be soft and sort of orange in color.
Break open the fruit and touch your tongue to the sweet
pulp.  (Yes, this is required!) then slide a few seeds
into your palm being careful to not let them slip away.

Rinse the seeds under running water with the drain plug in
and try to score the gooey casing that covers the seeds.  If you
are successful, pull off that coating to get to the dry seed.

Some people will try to open the seeds with a knife.
Don't, unless you are really, super careful or you might find
you need a bandage or two.  I use a pliers.

  Place the seed sideways with the seam of the seed
between the top and bottom of the pliers and then 
gently squeeze until the seed begins to open a little.
Then you can peel it apart to find the little treasure within.

If you see a Spoon or Shovel shape= heavy snow, cold winter
If you see a Fork (a spoon with tines) then winter will be mild,
perhaps with light, fluffy snow.
If you see a Knife shape- cold, icy winds will blow.

It looks like we're in for some heavy, wet snow this year.

You must use persimmons grown locally to find your forecast.

I just wish I had a 4th choice- 
BBQ Tongs shaped
You know,  for a warm winter with Bermuda shorts and tank tops!
LOL!

Good luck with your own forecast!







8 comments:

Sunnybrook Farm said...

I am glad that you posted this as I have never actually seen how to tell to look at the seeds. I am not going to touch my tongue to it as I already did that to what looked and smelled like a ripe one.

Patty Sumner said...

Wow! Very interesting...I know the Farmers Almanac and early forecasts say it is going to be bitterly cold this Winter...Have a great day.. Blessings!

Harry Flashman said...

When I was a kid, there was a wild persimmon tree back in the woods near our house. Persimmons always make me think of Fall, even all these years later.

Carolyn said...

We haven't opened our forecast-fortune-telling persimmons yet.....I'm almost afraid to!

BTW, I use the pulp (squeezed through a food mill) for breads. I've never tried canning it like a jam yet though, although I'd really like to if I could ever find a recipe for it.

LindaG said...

I'll have to keep an eye out at the farmer's markets. I don't know if persimmons grow here or not.

I'd heard farther north is supposed to similar to what your seeds show.

I think we are supposed to be wet and windy.
We'll see! Safe winter to you. :-)

Gorges Smythe said...

That's a new one on me!

Lady Locust said...

Love this sort of thing. I really think nature knows far more than we accredit it.

Manny said...

Oh I missed this. What a great tribute to the bird you loved.