hoshigakiHoshi Gaki hoshigaki

Hachiya persimmons nearing ripeness	Just peeled Persimmons ready to dry	Slow Food members learn to make hoshigaki at the orchard.

What is hoshigaki, and why is it so special? Hoshigaki, or hoshi gaki, means dried persimmon. The hoshigaki method is traditional to Japan, and came to America with Japanese American farmers. To make traditional hoshigaki, firm-ripe persimmons are peeled, hung, and regularly massaged for several weeks. Because they are so labor-intensive, hoshigaki all but disappeared from commercial production. Making hoshigaki is an art, like winemaking. There are many different styles and techniques. I produce my hoshigaki in the traditional patient fashion, striving for a product that is succulently sweet, moist, tender, and pleasantly chewy, with a complex flavor that is at once floral and reminiscent of gingerbread. My favorite way of eating hoshigaki is whole with my morning coffee or in the afternoon with a cup of green tea. It is also fabulous sliced on a cheese platter, and chefs have successfully paired it with foie gras.

How well does it keep? Like all dried fruit, hoshigaki is remarkably shelf-stable. Keep it as you would raisins or any other dried fruit. We recommend freezing for long term storage.

HOW TO ORDER HOSHIGAKI: My Hoshi Gaki are packaged in a gift box, and priced at $35 per pound. Boxes range from slightly under a pound to almost a pound and a half. Individual box price varies with weight. I accept credit card payment through Paypal. It is completely secure and you do not need to have a Paypal account. I ship via U.S. Priority Mail (Generally takes 2 to 3 days to reach you.) Mailing and handling cost for one to six boxes anywhere in the United States is $10. To order, please send me an e-mail to jeff@penrynorchardspecialties.com and tell me how many boxes you would like. There is no order form and you deal with me personally. Read below for more details. Thank you, Jeff Rieger

• Please let me know if you want shipping to multiple addresses, and how many boxes to each.
  
  
• When your hoshigaki is ready, I will send you a Paypal invoice detailing charges for each shipping address, with payment instructions.
  
  
• As soon as Paypal notifies me of your payment, I will mail your order to the address you provide. You are responsible for providing me with a USPS deliverable address. I cannot refund shipping if you give me an incorrect mailing address.
  
  
• If you change your mind, let me know ASAP so that I can pass the order on to the next
  customer in line. I have limited production and expect to sell out early again this season.
  
  
• For your security and convenience, I accept credit card payments through Paypal only.
  (You do not need to have a Paypal account for this. However, if you have a Paypal account,
  you MUST log in to your account to be able to pay me, even if you want to pay by credit card.
  If you have an inactive Paypal account and don't remember your password, call Paypal at 888-221-1161
  to reactivate or close your account before attempting to complete your order.)
  
  

• "We have been enjoying the wonderful hoshi-gaki that you sent! Really outstanding fruit this year. Keep up the great work!" (2006 customer) "They are WONDERFUL! Thank you, Floya

  Hi Jeff, Just wanted to let you know that I received the Hoshi Gaki today. Thanks so much!! They are absolutely delicious - my first time tasting them ever and I'm so glad I ordered them! Thanks again for giving us access to such a wonderful product. Sincerely yours, A. Y.

  
  
  I also will be shipping delicious Satsuma Mandarins and Algerian Clementines.
  They should be ripe before Thanksgiving.
  
  Jeff Rieger