Now Forage

Loquat: Clusters of orange-yellow fruit; ripe when fully orange with no green, yields to gentle pressure, and comes off the stem with a slight tug. Very sweet and aromatic when right — mealy if overripe. Short shelf life after picking.

Pecan: The green husk splits into four sections and turns brown when ripe. Shake branches or wait for fall. Cure in a cool, dry place for 2–3 weeks. Kernels should be full and not shrivelled.

Persimmon: Non-astringent types: eat when orange and firm. Astringent types: wait until very soft and wrinkled. Both fully orange when ripe.