BRANSON, Mo. – According to Ozarks folklore, the upcoming winter season can be determined by interpreting a symbol on the seed of a persimmon fruit.
Patrick Byer, a Horticulture Specialist with the University of Missouri Extension in Greene County, has collected hundreds of persimmon seeds from various counties in southwest Missouri over the last several years. A fork symbol supposedly means warmer temperatures, a spoon suggests above average snowfall, and a knife suggests colder temperatures ahead:
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Byers says there isn’t any real scientific data behind his tongue-in-cheek research, but says he collects the seeds to educate the public on Missouri fruits.
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Persimmon are bitter in taste and once they ripe they do not keep for very long. They can be frozen and used in bread, muffins, cookies, cakes and pudding.
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