Why Does Persimmon Dry My Mouth? | Lubricity Innovations (2024)

Persimmon is a delicious and nutritious fruit that is enjoyed by many. Its vibrant orange color and sweet flavor make it a popular choice, especially during the autumn months. However, some people have noticed that eating persimmon can leave their mouths feeling dry and parched. In this article, we will explore the reasons why persimmons have the potential to dry out your mouth and discuss ways to mitigate this uncomfortable sensation.

The Nature of Persimmons

Before delving into the reasons why persimmons may cause dryness in your mouth, let’s understand the nature of this fruit. Persimmons belong to the genus Diospyros and are native to various regions around the world. They are classified into two main types: astringent and non-astringent.

Astringent Persimmons

One of the most common varieties of astringent persimmons is the Hachiya persimmon. These fruits are typically consumed when fully ripe and have a soft, jelly-like texture. Astringent persimmons contain high levels of tannins, which contribute to their characteristic mouth-puckering sensation.

Non-astringent Persimmons

Non-astringent persimmons, such as the Fuyu variety, are firm and can be eaten when they are still slightly crisp. Unlike astringent persimmons, they have a milder flavor and lower tannin content, resulting in a less astringent experience.

Tannins and Mouth Dryness

Tannins, the compounds responsible for the astringency in persimmons, are found in various plant-based foods, including grapes, tea, and certain fruits like persimmons. These compounds bind to proteins in the saliva, leading to a sensation of dryness in the mouth.

When you consume a persimmon, the tannins interact with the proteins in your saliva, causing them to coagulate. This coagulation can create a dry, sticky feeling in your mouth, similar to the sensation you may experience when consuming an unripe banana or an overly ripe banana.

Ripe Persimmons vs. Unripe Persimmons

The level of mouth dryness you experience when eating persimmons can vary depending on the ripeness of the fruit. Unripe persimmons contain higher levels of tannins, intensifying the astringency and the subsequent dryness in your mouth.


On the other hand, ripe persimmons, particularly non-astringent varieties like Fuyu, have lower tannin levels. This results in a milder astringent effect and a reduced likelihood of experiencing excessive mouth dryness.

Managing Mouth Dryness from Persimmons

If you enjoy persimmons but find that they tend to dry out your mouth, there are a few strategies you can try to mitigate this effect:

Choosing Ripe Persimmons

One way to minimize the dry mouth sensation is to select ripe persimmons. Ripe persimmons have a softer texture and a milder flavor. Fuyu persimmons can be enjoyed while they are still firm, but for Hachiya persimmons, it is crucial to wait until they are fully ripe and have a jelly-like consistency. Ripe persimmons have lower tannin levels, which reduces the drying effect.

Eating Techniques

Another technique to reduce the drying effect is to eat persimmons in smaller bites. Taking small, deliberate bites allows your saliva to mix and interact with the tannins more effectively, minimizing the drying sensation. Additionally, chewing the persimmon thoroughly before swallowing can aid in breaking down the tannins, reducing their impact on your mouth.

Dry Mouth Oral Spray

In addition to the mentioned techniques, another effective way to combat the dry mouth sensation caused by persimmons is to use a dry mouth spray. Dry mouth sprays are specifically designed to provide instant relief from dryness by moisturizing the mouth and stimulating saliva production.

Dry mouth sprays contain ingredients like xylitol, glycerin, and natural lubricants that help to lubricate the oral cavity, relieving the uncomfortable dry sensation. These sprays can be conveniently carried with you and used whenever needed, making them a practical solution for combating dry mouth caused by persimmons.

If you find persimmons particularly drying, consider pairing them with hydrating foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumbers, or oranges, can help counterbalance the drying effect of persimmons. The additional moisture will keep your mouth hydrated and alleviate the dry sensation.

Hydrate Before and After

To prevent excessive dryness, it is advisable to drink water before and after consuming persimmons. Staying hydrated will not only help alleviate dry mouth but also promote overall oral health. Drinking water before eating persimmons can create a thin protective layer in your mouth, reducing direct contact between the tannins and your mucous membranes.

While persimmons are a delightful and nutritious fruit, their high tannin content can leave some individuals with a dry and parched sensation in the mouth. Understanding the binding effect of tannins and employing techniques to mitigate the drying effect can help make persimmons a more enjoyable experience.

Moreover, choose ripe persimmons, eat them in smaller bites, pair them with hydrating foods, use dry mouth oral spray, and stay hydrated before and after consumption. By doing so, you can continue to relish the unique flavor and benefits of persimmons without the discomfort of a dry mouth.

So go ahead, enjoy the goodness of persimmons, and keep your mouth hydrated along the way!

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Why Does Persimmon Dry My Mouth? | Lubricity Innovations (2024)

FAQs

Why Does Persimmon Dry My Mouth? | Lubricity Innovations? ›

Tannins and Mouth Dryness

Why is the persimmon making my mouth dry? ›

The persimmon is a unique fruit, often described as astringent or tannic, and it can be a pucker-inducing experience if you bite into one that has not fully ripened. Seriously, an unripe persimmon will make your mouth numb, it is so potently drying and bitter.

What does persimmon do to your tongue? ›

Typically, this happens when you eat persimmons before they are fully ripened. Astringent persimmons have a high concentration of water-soluable tannins. Tannins in persimmons make your tongue, cheeks, and gums feel as though you're chewing on a cross between aspirin, alum, and chalk.

What are the side effects of persimmon fruit? ›

It has been used in clinical research without reported adverse effects. The fruit might cause allergic reactions in some people, but this is uncommon. Eating the fruit in very large amounts might cause blockage of the intestines.

How to remove tannins from persimmon? ›

Heat Treatments. Heat treatments can play a significant role in reducing astringency in persimmons. Heat treatments can help break down tannins and make the fruit more palatable. The most common heat-based deastringency method is hot water treatment.

What happens if you eat an unripe persimmon? ›

If the taste wasn't enough, people should steer clear of unripe persimmons because the tannins, stomach acid and indigestible plant material can form a bezoar: a hard mass that can lead to gastric obstruction and surgery.

Is persimmon allergy common? ›

Background: Allergy to persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is very rare and not yet confirmed by means of double-blind, placebo-controlled, food-challenge (DBPCFC).

What happens if you eat persimmon everyday? ›

Persimmons may cause allergies in some people. Additionally, excessive consumption of persimmons can also lead to intestinal blockages, diarrhoea, vomiting, and other types of stomach related problems. Therefore, it is best to eat only one persimmon in a day.

Is persimmon a laxative? ›

The fruit is easily chewable and has a delicious flavour, but it is not recommended for diabetics, obese and sufferers of gastroduodenal ulcer. Persimmons have a creamy and sweet pulp and have laxative, diuretic and hepatoprotective.

Why is persimmon chalky? ›

Before they've reached peak ripeness, Hachiyas will have a virtually inedible, chalky taste. To avoid this unpleasant surprise, make sure you allow Hachiyas to ripen until they're soft and about to burst. This ensures the tannins will have dissipated, and you'll have a sweet, smooth persimmon on your hands.

Why does my mouth feel weird when I eat persimmons? ›

Persimmons contain tannins, a type of plant compound that can make your mouth feel dry, chalky, or puckered. Unripe persimmons have a high tannin content, leading to this sensation. Fully ripe persimmons have fewer tannins, resulting in a sweeter taste and less mouth discomfort.

What cannot be eaten with persimmon? ›

Another set of cold food groupings to avoid include having crab with tea or persimmon. Xie explained: “Crab meat is a very cold type of food in TCM theory, and persimmon fruit is also cold in nature. Most people should avoid eating this food combination, as it can be hard on the digestive system.”

Is persimmon good for gut? ›

Persimmons are sweet, versatile fruits full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and beneficial plant compounds. What's more, they may promote heart health, reduce inflammation, support healthy vision, and keep your digestive system healthy. Plus, they are tasty and pair well with many foods.

Do all persimmons have tannins? ›

There are two major categories of persimmons: astringent and non-astringent. Astringent persimmons are high in tannins. Think about how it feels to taste over-steeped black tea, where the astringency and high tannin content make your mouth dry and pucker up.

Will tannins eventually go away? ›

Yup. Like all woods, Spider wood tends to leach out a fair amount of tannin for a few weeks at least. Again, the key to reducing the amount of tannins being released into your tank is essentially the same as what it takes to sink it: patience, and the passage of time.

What fruits cause dry mouth? ›

It's best to avoid highly acidic foods like citrus fruits and condiments that contain vinegar. Besides damaging teeth, the acid can also worsen the mouth sores that dryness causes. Low-acid foods you can still enjoy in moderation include bananas, apples, oatmeal, and skinless chicken.

Can persimmons be dehydrated? ›

Dehydrate on screens in the dehydrator, at about 135 degrees, until the slices are dry, slightly tacky to the touch but not sticky. This should take around 6-8 hours.

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