New fruit I tasted here in US- Persimmon
Sweet, delicious persimmon fruits are rich in health promoting nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants that are vital for optimum health. Botanically, the fruit belongs to the family of Ebenaceae of the genus: Diospyros; scientifically named as Diospyros virginiana.
This delicate oriental fruit is native of china. It spread to Japan very long ago and later was introduced to California during the middle of nineteenth century.
Persimmon is a multi-trunked or single-stemmed deciduous tree which grows up to 25 ft. in height. They grow best in areas that have moderate winters and relatively mild summers.
Health benefits of persimmon fruit
The fruit is low in calories (provides 70 cal/100g) and fats but is rich source of dietary fiber.
Persimmons contain many health benefiting phyto-nutrients flavonoid poly-phenolic anti-oxidants like catechins and gallocatechins as well as important anti-tumor compound betulinic acid. Catechins are known to have anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic (prevents bleeding from small blood vessels) properties.

Fresh permissions contain anti-oxidant compounds like vitamin-A, beta carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin. These compounds functions as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes.
zeaxanthin, an important dietary carotenoid, selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea in the eyes where it is thought to provide antioxidant and protective light-filtering functions; thus, helps prevent "Age related macular disease"(ARMD) in the elderly.
The fruits are also very good source of vitamin-C, another powerful antioxidant (especially native Chinese and American persimmons; provide 80% of DRI). Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.
The fruit is good in many valuable B-complex vitamins such as folic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), thiamin...etc. This vitamin acts as co-factors for numerous metabolic enzymatic functions in the body.
Fresh Persimmon fruits also contain healthy amounts of minerals like potassium, manganese (15% of DRI), copper (12% of DRI) and phosphorus. Manganese is a co-factor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is a very powerful free radical scavenger. Copper is a co-factor for many vital enzymes, including cytochrome c-oxidase and superoxide dismutase (other minerals function as cofactors for this enzyme are manganese and zinc). Copper is also required for the production of red blood cells.
Medicinal Values:

The raw fruit is used to treat constipation, hemorrhoids, and to stop bleeding. As such, it is not a good idea to consume too many persimmons at once- they can induce diarrhea.
The cooked fruit is used to treat diarrhea and dysentery

A special thanks to my chinnana and chinnamma for intriducing me to this new fruit which has so many nutritional values. Thanks to you both. GOD bless your garden and give you more and more fruits next year.