Article: Whether right off the tree or the boat, persimmons are late-fall treat. (Originated from Knight-Ridder Newspapers)

In the Deep South, persimmons grow wild. They dangle, walnut-sized fruits an inviting shade of something close to apricot. 
I remember, as a child, finding one on the ground early in the fall and, with my brother's encouragement, scooping it up and taking a big bite. 
It was a mistake. 
As he laughed uproariously, my mouth gathered itself into what felt like a tiny, extremely dry lump. 
I learned two lessons in that moment: If my brother says to do it, check with someone else. And, native persimmons aren't ripe until later in the fall. 
But after that, what delectable treats they are _ soft, meltingly sweet and with a depth and complexity of flavor unmatched ...

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