Persimmons are one fruit I absolutely cannot do. I tried it once and it felt like I had taken a big bite of dirt. Apparently it wasn't quite ripe.
Yes, that is usually the problem. Basically you buy a nice firm fruit from the store then let it sit till it's what would be considered overripe. If you can cut it it is not ripe enough. Stuffing it in your mouth while eating over the sink with juice bursting everywhere is how it's done.