Now Forage

American persimmon: Must be fully ripe (very soft, almost jelly-like) before eating. Harvest after first frost or when naturally falling. Dark orange to purple when ready. Rich, caramel-sweet flavour.

Mango: Smell is the best guide — a ripe mango is intensely fragrant at the stem end. Skin colour varies (yellow, red, green) by variety and is not reliable. Fruit yields to gentle pressure. The cheeks fill out and round. Harvest slightly firm for best transport; ripen at room temperature.