Diospyros virginiana In respect to the power of making heartwood, the persimmon rarely develops any heartwood until it is nearly one hundred years old. This heartwood is extremely close-grained and almost black, resembling ebony (of which it is a true variety). It is a common misconception persimmon fruit needs frost to ripen and soften, called bletting. Some, such as the early-ripening varieties "pieper" and "NC21"(also known as "supersweet"), easily lose astringency and become completely free of it when slightly soft at the touch—these are then very sweet, even in the British climate. On the other hand, some varieties (like the very large
Tomato jam Tomato jam Tomato jam (also referred to as tomato jelly) is a type of fruit preserve prepared with tomatoes and sugar. Green tomatoes are used in some preparations. Some preparations may use honey, and some include bacon. It has been described as "a cross between marmalade and ketchup" (which itself is already closer to a jam than a condiment, due to its already high sugar content). Some commercially prepared varieties are produced. It is sometimes used in the preparation of sandwiches similar to a BLT, using the jam in place of tomato. Tomato jam has been reported as being a