Can persimmons and dried shrimp be eaten together?

Jun 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yu Yongchao

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, it is not recommended to consume persimmons and dried shrimp together. Persimmons contain abundant tannic acid and pectin, while dried shrimp are rich in minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. When persimmons and dried shrimp are consumed together, the tannic acid rapidly combines with the calcium in the dried shrimp, forming insoluble calcium tannate precipitates. These precipitates are not easily digested or absorbed by the human body.

In general, persimmons and dried shrimp skins are not recommended to be eaten together. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Persimmons contain abundant tannic acid and pectin, while shrimp skins are rich in minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. When persimmons are consumed together with shrimp skins, the tannic acid rapidly combines with the calcium in shrimp skins, forming insoluble precipitates of calcium tannate. These precipitates are not only difficult for the human body to digest and absorb, but may also accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, affecting normal intestinal peristalsis and causing symptoms such as indigestion, abdominal pain, and bloating. In severe cases, they may even trigger gastrointestinal bezoars, placing a significant burden on the digestive system. Additionally, persimmons themselves are fruits that are not easily digested, and shrimp skins contain high levels of protein; combining these two foods further increases the digestive burden on the gastrointestinal tract. Particularly for individuals with weak gastrointestinal function, such as the elderly, children, and patients with gastrointestinal diseases, eating persimmons and shrimp skins together more easily induces gastrointestinal discomfort.

Therefore, to avoid the above-mentioned adverse effects, it is not recommended to consume persimmons and shrimp skins together. Moreover, it is best not to consume shrimp skins or other calcium-rich foods one to two hours before or after consuming persimmons.

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Foods high in tannins, such as persimmons, strong tea, and pomegranates, when consumed together with custard apple, can lead to tannins binding with the protein in custard apple, forming indigestible precipitates. High-sugar foods: Consuming high-sugar items such as cakes, chocolate, and candies together with custard apple may result in excessive sugar intake, as custard apple itself is relatively high in sugar.

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Can pregnant women eat raw persimmons?

In general, pregnant women are advised not to eat raw persimmons, or to consume only very small amounts of fully ripe raw persimmons, and should avoid unripe or non-deastringent raw persimmons. In daily life, pregnant women are encouraged to choose easily digestible, nutritionally balanced fruits such as apples and bananas, and to reduce intake of special fruits like raw persimmons, thus supporting a healthy pregnancy.