Predicting Winter Weather With a Persimmon Seed

Since discovering an American persimmon tree right in my backyard, I’ve also stumbled upon a delightful piece of Appalachian folklore with which some of you may be familiar. 

Did you know a locally grown American persimmon can predict winter weather in your area? The fruit has to be from a local tree so as to mirror local conditions.

Cut open a ripe fruit (when it gets soft and mushy) and take out one of its seeds. Slice the seed lengthwise, exposing its white kernel. According to the lore, the kernel’s shape tells you what to expect for winter.

If the kernel is shaped like a:

    • fork: winter will be mild with light snow

    • spoon: expect heavy wet snows where you’ll need your shovel

    • knife: winter will be bitterly cold and icy with a biting wind

You may want to examine the seeds from the fruit of at least three different trees for more accuracy. 

My persimmons aren’t ripe yet, but I’ll certainly be putting the lore to the test. 😄