by Alessandra Ressa
Persimmons, autumn’s vibrant gems, are packed with minerals, vitamins, and an irresistibly sweet flavor. When perfectly ripe, their soft, juicy texture and warm orange color add a cheerful yet dignified touch to Trieste’s autumn gardens. Once common, persimmon trees are becoming rarer as new generations are less enthusiastic about their high-maintenance fruit. If left unharvested, ripe persimmons fall with an unrestrained burst of sticky pulp, a messy inconvenience. Still, these trees remain a frequent sight in private gardens across Trieste’s hilly Carso, and in nearby Slovenia, they even grace public parks.
Persimmons have ancient roots, spawning legends and traditions over the centuries. In my childhood, persimmons played a special role. Our family had a beautiful tree, and my parents cherished its fruit. My father would spend the early autumn weeks monitoring the persimmons’ slow ripening. When he found one perfectly ripe, he’d call the family together. We believed that finding a seed inside meant good luck for the day. But the real thrill was still to come: my father would carefully slice the seed open, much to my sister’s and my delight. Inside, we’d often find a tiny utensil—a knife, spoon, or fork!
Although we simply tried to guess which utensil might appear for a small treat, there is actually a fascinating Italian folk legend surrounding these tiny “utensils” inside persimmon seeds. According to tradition, these seeds hold clues to the upcoming winter’s weather. Would you like to learn more and perhaps try your hand at “reading” persimmon seeds? Here’s how.
The Legend of Persimmon Seeds: Deciphering Winter’s Clues
According to Italian folklore, the shapes found in persimmon seeds could forecast the type of winter ahead—whether it would be mild or severe, wet or dry, giving people a chance to prepare. To try this weather-predicting tradition yourself, start by removing the seeds from the fruit, cleaning them, and slicing them open lengthwise. Inside each seed, you’ll find a tiny sprout that may resemble a fork, knife, or spoon. What does each shape mean?
- Fork: If the sprout resembles a fork, tradition says winter will be mild, with little snow and moderate temperatures.
- Knife: A knife shape signals a particularly cold winter, often dry, with frigid temperatures.
- Spoon: A spoon shape foretells a snowy winter, so you may want to prepare for some shoveling!
Is There Any Truth to This Tradition?
While predicting weather based on persimmon seeds has no scientific foundation, it’s a charming custom that keeps us connected to our cultural past. Why not bring this little “weather forecast” to your next autumn dinner with friends? You could even make a friendly wager on what kind of winter lies ahead—it’s a playful way to celebrate the season while reviving an ancient tradition.
