Japanese persimmon tree in winter, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan (© Jyun Ogawa/Minden Pictures)

【January 23 2016】The fruit of persimmon trees ripens fairly late in the season, so if early snows blanket the orchard, scenes of fruit-heavy branches on an icy backdrop aren’t unusual. Most cultivated varieties of persimmon originated in Asia, but they’re now grown around the world. The Japanese Fuyu and Hachiya varieties are among the most popular, and they can be prepared fresh, baked, dried, or even pickled. But growing persimmons for the fruit is just one way humans use these trees. Some varieties of persimmon tree are harvested for the wood, used in furniture making. Persimmon trees are also often strategically planted for shade.Explore breathtaking Gallery from the HuluTrip homepage over the past 5 years..