Diospyros virginiana fruited "yates", which is a late ripening variety) remain astringent even when the fruit has become completely soft (at least in the British climate). Frost, however, destroys the cells within the fruit, causing it to rot instead of ripen. Only completely ripe and soft fruit can stand some frost; it will then dry and become even sweeter (hence the misconception). The same goes for the Oriental persimmon ("Diospyros kaki"), where early frost can severely damage a fruit crop. Diospyros virginiana Diospyros virginiana is a persimmon species commonly called the American persimmon, common persimmon, eastern persimmon, "simmon", "possumwood", "possum apples", or
Fish pepper with some Mid-Atlantic restaurants using it today. Per Baker Creek this is an African-American heirloom popular in the Philadelphia/Baltimore region. A pre- 1947 variety that was used in fish and shellfish cookery. The color of the fruit range from green, orange, brown, white and red, being spicy and hot. What really makes this pepper stand out is its wonderful foliage, as the 2’ tall plants have stunning white and green mottled leaves, which makes this variety superb for ornamental and edible landscaping. William Woys Weaver introduced this pepper from his grandfather's collection. His grandfather received the pepper from African-American folk