Vivid-orange ripe persimmons hanging from near-leafless trees like colorful decorations are a symbol of late fall in regions where these fruit are grown, from the Mediterranean straight across North America and Asia. Unpleasantly astringent when underripe, they're wonderfully soft and sweet when ready to eat. Use them in all sorts of ways, from a cocktail-hour treat to indulgent muffins, and in savory dishes too.