Why do Japanese people dry persimmons ?
Drying persimmons , known as hoshigaki in Japan , is a traditional practice session that has been clear down through propagation . It serves multiple purposes , including uphold the fruit , using them as ornaments , and symbolizing good destiny and longevity .
Preservation is one of the chief reasons why Nipponese people dry persimmons . By stringing up and hanging the fruit to dry out in the sun , the moisture subject is importantly reduce , allow the fruit to last for an extended period , usually throughout the wintertime month . This conservation method was developed in the yesteryear when infrigidation was not readily useable , and citizenry need a mode to put in and enjoy persimmons during the colder months when fresh fruit was scarce .
to boot , dried persimmon tree were traditionally used as ornaments in New Year ’s decorations . In Japan , the New Year is a significant holiday , and masses decorate their homes with various auspicious token to bestow beneficial fortune for the coming year . Hoshigaki , with their vivacious orange colour and unique shape , were considered a symbol of luck and prosperity , make them a democratic choice for decorating homes during this time .
The mental process of drying persimmon tree is not only practical but also a trade union movement - intensive and time - consuming activity . The fruit is carefully peel , leaving the fore integral , and then strung together with string or string . These stringed persimmon tree are then hang up to dry out in a well - ventilate area , typically outside . The drying process can take several weeks or even month , depending on the weather conditions . During this time , the persimmon gradually shrivel up , concentrating their lifelike sugars and spirit , ensue in a delightfully sweet and chewy treat .
As a gardening and landscaping expert , I have had the opportunity to witness the hoshigaki dry out process at first hand during my travels in Japan . I remember chat a small rural hamlet where the entire biotic community follow together to prepare and juiceless persimmons . It was a communal activity that brought hoi polloi together , fostering a sense of community and preserving cultural traditions .
The sight of rows upon rows of persimmon tree hang from wooden frames was both picturesque and challenging . The village elder shared stories of how they learned the techniques from their ancestors and how each family had their own unique method of preparing hoshigaki . It was evident that this pattern was deeply impress in their ethnical inheritance and held peachy significance for the community .
The Nipponese mass dry persimmon for various rationality . The master purpose is saving , allowing them to delight the sweet fruits throughout the wintertime months . dehydrated persimmons also contain cultural meaning as they are used as ornaments in traditional New Year ’s ornamentation , symbolizing good portion and seniority . The hoshigaki dry process is a labor - intensive and meter - devour activity , but it convey communities together and helps uphold ethnical traditions .
Caroline Bates
