The persimmon, Diospyros kaki L., originally came to the US in the middle of the nineteenth century. There are around 2,000 different varieties of persimmons, but only the Fuyu and Hachiya persimmons are frequently sold in supermarkets. Fuyu persimmons can be kept on the shelf for up to two weeks and are frequently consumed fresh. Hachiya persimmons have a short shelf life before becoming unusable. They’re utilized in cooking. Because they are astringent, they cause dry mouth. Possumwood is the name for American persimmon. Only after being exposed to a fall freeze, it is edible.
Only a select few people in Kenya are aware of the persimmon tree, although it is one of the most popular fruits in the world right behind avocados. The persimmon fruit is a good source of nutrients, including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals necessary for optimum health.
Best Site for Growing Persimmons
• Give persimmons complete sun exposure.
• Persimmons should be planted in loamy, compost-rich soil that is well-drained.
• Because persimmons have a long taproot, loamy, deep soil is ideal. Sand-loam soil is preferred by Asian persimmons. American persimmons may grow in a variety of soils.
• Consider the height and spread of the persimmon you wish to cultivate while choosing a location that will allow the tree to mature. Make sure the tree has enough space to grow to maturity.
Persimmon Propagation
The trees take three to five years to begin bearing fruit and can reach a height of 20 feet. 1-2 years may pass before grafted cultivars bear fruit. Persimmon fruit trees are either single-stemmed or multi-trunked, similar to pomegranate fruit trees. Astringent and non-astringent persimmons are divided into 2 main categories. As the fruit ripens, the astringent variety becomes less astringent.
The persimmon fruit tree is a robust plant that requires little maintenance and is extremely adaptable to many environmental conditions. Although they thrive in slightly warmer climates, they can grow and produce in both subtropical and temperate environments. The majority of varieties of persimmon do not require cooling, unlike the majority of deciduous fruit trees.
Deep, fertile, well-drained soils with a PH of 6.0 to 6.5 are preferred for persimmons. Overall, they can endure hard clay soil with good drainage and thrive in a variety of soil types. As a result, persimmon may thrive in most regions of the nation. Farmers can give it a shot by planting a few seedlings first to see how the plants would do in various environments.
Planting Persimmon
Grown from seeds that can subsequently be grafted, seedlings are utilized for propagation. Depending on the cultivar and size of the land, trees are planted with a spacing of 4 to 6 meters. Persimmons should be planted in regions with sufficient sunlight for better fruit output. Because persimmons are delicate, stay away from windy locations or grow windbreaks. Despite how hardy persimmons are, constant irrigation is advised during the growing season and when the fruit is setting. Because persimmons produce a lot of fruit, fruit thinning is necessary to guarantee good quality and size. Training and trimming keep plant vegetation in check, which finally results in high-quality output. Persimmons should be pruned while they are dormant. Analysis of the soil and leaves will always provide information on the recommended fertilizer schedule. Farmyard manure and foliar sprays are usually adequate.
PESTS AND DISEASES
Persimmons are typically free from the majority of pests and illnesses, but generally speaking, prevention is preferable to treatment. It’s critical to protect plants and crops from pests, and bacterial, fungal, and viral attacks. Fruit flies, mealy bugs, and fruit spotting bugs are a few examples of common pests. The few significant illnesses are the crown gull, leaf spot, mildew, wood decay, and blights. There isn’t a lot of research on illnesses and pests that affect persimmon kaki. In general, maintaining orchard cleanliness is essential to sourcing seedlings free of illness. Before any attacks take place, apply neem oil, horticultural oil, or copper fungicide as a prophylactic precaution.
HARVESTING PERSIMMONS
• Persimmon trees start producing fruit two to three years after they are planted; some grafted trees start producing fruit right away.
• Most persimmons must first get soft to be eaten.
• Astringent persimmons should be picked when they are still very soft and have practically transparent skin, or after they have fallen on the ground. The majority of persimmon trees in America drop their fruit when it is ripe; mulch under trees will soften the fall. If astringent fruits do not fall off the tree, they might be left there to mature.
• Non-astringent cultivars, such as the majority of Asian kinds, should be harvested when completely coloured but still a little firm.
• Ripe persimmons can be harvested by shearing or pruning the fruit from the tree. Keep some of the fruit’s stalk attached.
• Persimmons that are a little underripe will ripen off the tree. By putting the fruit in a bag with an apple, you can accelerate ripening.
Storing Persimmons
Persimmons can be eaten fresh; they can be frozen or dried.
Fresh persimmons keep for two months in the refrigerator.
Persimmons can be dried and eaten like figs and dates.
Persimmons can be pulped and used for puddings, pies, cookies, and ice cream.
BENEFITS OF PERSIMMON
• Provitamin A beta-carotene, which has been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women, is abundant in persimmons. In addition to maintaining healthy vision, vitamin A also supports a healthy heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organ functions.
• A strong immune system depends on antioxidants like Vitamin C, which persimmons are a good source of. It aids in minimizing inflammation and safeguards the body’s connective tissues, which include the skin, blood vessels, and bones. These fruits also include lycopene and lutein, two antioxidants that fight free radicals, which hasten ageing and many ailments.
• Minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, and calcium are present in persimmons in a healthy amount.
• Pick up a persimmon fruit the next time you need a healthy dose of potassium. About 78 mg of potassium, an essential electrolyte that supports the body’s fluid balance and electrical activity of the heart and muscles, may be found in a typical persimmon.
• Only 32 calories, 0 grams of fat, and 0 mg. of salt are included in one persimmon fruit.
• There is a lot of fibre in persimmon pulp. 6 grams of dietary fibre, or 25% of the daily need for adults, can be found in one fruit. According to studies, eating a diet high in fibre not only benefits your digestive system but also lowers your chances of diabetes and heart disease by assisting you in maintaining a healthy weight. Persimmon is an ideal snack since it contains fibre, which keeps you fuller for longer.
Persimmon Market
Farmers can sell their Persimmon to market traders and fruit vendors, fruit juice companies who are looking for Persimmon in large quantities.
You can add value to your Persimmon business by processing the fruit into other products