We recently got back from a family road trip to California. We utterly enjoyed a much-needed break from the rain and soaked in all the sunshine we could while there. During our stay in the golden state, our daughter got to discover a new fruit: the persimmon! It was love at first sight (and bite). So, naturally, we set out to learn more about this intriguing fruit together.
What is persimmon in French?
Persimmon in French is kaki (masculine) or plaquemine (feminine).
The tree on which these fruits grow is called un plaqueminier.
Persimmon tree – un plaqueminier
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We learned that there are many different varieties of persimmons around the world, but they can be classified into two specific categories: astringent and non-astringent persimmons.
Astringent persimmons are inedible until they are ripe and soft while non-astringent persimmons can also be enjoyed while still firm, like an apple.
Ripe – mûr (masculine), mûre (feminine)
Firm – ferme (masculine, feminine)
Soft – mou (masculin), molle (feminine)
Related: Describing an apple in French – colour, size, and taste
We found out that the variety we got to pick was a non-astringent kind. Based on its physical properties, we suspect it to be a Fuyu persimmon or un kaki-pomme in French.
Round – rond (masculine), ronde (feminine)
Rounded – arrondi (masculine), arrondie (feminine)
Squat, stubby – trapu (masculine), trapue (feminine)
If you are a persimmon connoisseur, let us know if we have correctly identified the variety we got to try.
If you’re interested in teaching your child the parts of the fruit in French, here’s a blog post that may be of interest to you.
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