Persimmon, Japanese persimmon, Kaki

Where does Persimmon grow?

Found in: Afghanistan, Africa, Algeria, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Britain, Cambodia, Caucasus, China, Cook Islands, Cuba, East Africa, Egypt, France, Georgia, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Manchuria, Mediterranean, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Philippines, Russia, SE Asia, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Vietnam

Notes: There are about 485 species of Diospyros mostly in the tropics. It is a polyploid. It is the national fruit of Japan. Fruit are high in folates 51μg/100.

Status: This tree has been introduced and tried in a few highland areas of Papua New Guinea but so far has not grown or fruited well. It is a cultivated fruit tree.

Growing Persimmon, Japanese persimmon, Kaki

Cultivation: They are grown from seeds. Seeds often germinate poorly. Trees grow slowly. Budded or grafted trees can be used. They can be grown by cuttings and air-layering. Trees can be pruned and shaped either along a wall or as a hedge. Pruning when trees are young to develop a strong framework of branches is important. Adequate moisture is needed during the year. Trees can grow and produce with minimal fertiliser. Trees often need cross pollination from another tree.

Edible Uses: The fruit is eaten raw or can be cooked. It needs to be fully ripe and soft. Freezing fruit overnight can improve sweetness. They are used in pies, puddings, cakes, bread, ice cream and other desserts. Fruit can be stored frozen. Fruit are used for wine and vinegar. The leaves are used to improve the flavour of pickled radishes. Roasted seeds are served as a coffee substitute.

Production: Fruiting is seasonal. Often trees bear large crops one year and small ones the next year. This can be evened out by thinning out some of the fruit is the high yielding years. Fruit should be cut from the branches cutting the stalk near the fruit. Fruit are often ripened by putting near other ripening fruit like banana. Fruit must be handled carefully to avoid bruising. Fruit can be stored in a refrigerator for one month. Higher yields are obtained if pollination occurs. Trees can live for 60-80 years. Fruit mature after about 200 days.

Nutrition Info

Persimmon, Japanese persimmon, Kaki Photos

References

Kaki persimmon references

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