The Mission Viejo Farmers Market continues to draw large crowds seeking farm fresh, distinctive items like the fruit of farmer John Lee.
John runs the family farm in Riverside County and takes pride in tempting patrons with his Asian pears, JuJube and persimmon. JuJube (also known as a Chinese date) is a fruit called a drupe. It has a thin, edible skin surrounding white flesh that is sweet and flavorful. JuJubes are crisp and reminiscent of an apple and are best eaten right before they reach the mature red stage. Other well-known drupes are plums, cherries, dates, mangoes and apricots. John’s farm also produces Persimmons, a well-loved fruit throughout many parts of the world. The Persimmon is Japan’s national fruit. A fully ripe Hachiya persimmon is pure bliss.
“When ripe, it should feel like it’s filled with water and will be extremely soft and squishy,” John said. “Removing the thin skin reveals coral-colored flesh so thick and glossy it looks like jelly and tastes like it too; it’s an intoxicating blend of mango and apricot.”
Eat them plain or use them in baked goods, sauces, and smoothies. Another unique persimmon is the Fuyu. Rather heavy for its size, the Fuyu has skin that ranges from pale yellow-orange to brilliant reddish-orange. Generally, the darker the color, the sweeter the taste. Fuyu persimmons can be eaten either firm or soft. Firm Fuyus can be eaten like an apple, skin and all, and when you slice off the top, a beautiful star will appear in the flesh. Crunchy cinnamon-flavored Fuyus are also great in salads and salsas.
The Mission Viejo Farmers Market is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Friday in the central courtyard at the Mission Viejo Civic Center, 200 Civic Center. For more information, visit http://cityofmissionviejo.org/farmersmarket.
