What foods are incompatible with persimmons?

Sep 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, due to special components such as tannic acid, consuming persimmons together with certain foods may cause physical discomfort. Common incompatible foods mainly include high-protein meats, seafood, high-starch foods, acidic fruits, and calcium-rich foods. When consuming persimmons in daily diet, it is recommended to have a gap of at least 2–3 hours between persimmon consumption and the aforementioned foods, while also controlling the quantity of persimmons ingested.

Generally, persimmons contain special components such as tannic acid, which may cause physical discomfort when consumed with certain foods. Common incompatible foods mainly include high-protein meats, seafood, high-starch foods, acidic fruits, and calcium-rich foods. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. High-protein meats: When persimmons are consumed with high-protein meats such as beef, lamb, or pork, the tannic acid in persimmons may combine with the protein in the meat to form precipitates that are difficult to digest. These precipitates can increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and may lead to symptoms of indigestion, such as abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and nausea.

2. Seafood: Seafood such as crabs, shrimp, and oysters is rich in protein and calcium. When consumed with persimmons, tannic acid first combines with the protein to form clots, and then combines with calcium to produce substances that are difficult to dissolve. These substances not only reduce the nutritional value of seafood but may also irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhea, vomiting, and other discomforts.

3. High-starch foods: High-starch foods such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn promote excessive secretion of gastric acid after entering the body. If consumed with persimmons, tannic acid may react easily with starch and gastric acid under the action of excessive gastric acid, forming indigestible hard masses that may cause stomach discomfort and increase the burden on the stomach.

4. Acidic fruits: Acidic fruits such as oranges, lemons, and hawthorns are naturally high in acidity. When consumed with persimmons, they further increase the overall acidity in the stomach. Excessive acidity accelerates the reaction of tannic acid with other components in food, making it easier to form indigestible substances, which may cause symptoms such as stomach bloating, pain, and acid reflux.

5. Calcium-rich foods: Calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese, and tofu may combine tannic acid with calcium to form calcium salts that are insoluble in water when consumed with persimmons. These calcium salts cannot be absorbed and utilized by the body, leading not only to calcium waste but also possible accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract.

When consuming persimmons in daily life, it is recommended to separate the consumption of the above-mentioned foods by more than 2–3 hours. Additionally, control the quantity of persimmons consumed and choose persimmons that are highly ripe and have lower tannic acid content to reduce the risk of discomfort.

Related Articles

View All