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.

Pomegranate: Skin turns from pale orange to deep red; fruit becomes angular and the blossom end flattens slightly as arils expand. Tap the skin — a ripe pomegranate sounds metallic. Heavy for its size. A slight crack at the shoulder is fine. Do not wait for it to fall.