Orange power

Persimmon cocktail at Beijing's Botany bar

Bad combo? Myth

In China, there is a saying that autumn's hairy crabs can-not be eaten with the persimmon, and some locals will tell you the combo can be fatal.

A group of Chinese science writers insists that this "folk wisdom" just isn't so, Xinhua reported in 2013.

On Guokr.com, a popular science website, the "conflict food" theory is listed among the most widespread myths concerning daily life, along with "Pregnant women should wear radiation protection suits."

"In fact, most of the food pairing taboos are groundless," says Xu Lai, the site's chief editor. "Back in 1935, Chinese scientists conducted experiments to discredit such myths."

Persimmons do contain tannic acid, which can cause stomachache if consumed in excess, while crabs are prone to rotting, Xinhua noted. However, such health risks remain the same whether eat-en together or separately, scientists insist.

As with all foods, eating in moderation is the key to good health.

So what should you do with that whole crate of persimmons you might grab in desperation at the end of the season?