The Hachiyas are picked while they are still firm; but they aren't ready to eat upon arrival. A Hachiya persimmon needs to sit on your kitchen counter or in your fruit bowl until it softens up considerably. The fruit is ripe and ready to eat when it appears to be very soft, almost over-ripe, and ready to burst. If the texture of Hachiya persimmons is not soft and jelly-like, the fruit will be astringent and not ready to be consumed.