Products and Uses of Persimmon
Persimmon fruit is usually eaten fresh, however, there are large persimmon processing industries, which produce dried persimmons.
As Persimmons contain high levels of pectin, they are also widely used in the manufacture of jams and condiments, such as chutney and spicy atchar sauces.
Persimmon tannins have been used as folk medicine, for treating strokes in Japan and as herbal medicine in China, since ancient times. Tannins protect tissue cells, boosting the immune system against bacteria and viruses. Tannins also assist in lowering blood pressure and relieving intestinal disorders.
Global Persimmon Production
China is by far the largest producer of persimmons and is responsible for more than two/thirds of global productions. This is followed by South Korea, Japan and Spain. Other countries that produce persimmons are Israel, U.S.A., South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Egypt and Chile.
South African Persimmon Production
The entire South African persimmon industry’s production is from Sharon™ Fruit, the commercial name for the popular seedless astringent persimmon Kaki Fruit variety Diospyros Triumph.
This astringent persimmon variety was originally cultivated in the Sharon Valley in Israel and this is the origin of the commercial name.
The industry was established in South Africa in the mid-1990s, largely due to the initiatives of Mor International, the Israeli group responsible for marketing much of Israel’s astringent persimmon crop.
The purpose of establishing a South African industry was to extend its supply period with production from the southern hemisphere. During the past decade, the industry has been consolidated to regions that are best suited for growing the fruit.
Persimmon Production Season
In South Africa, Sharon Fruit is harvested from mid-April until the end of May and is available until August.
Persimmon Production Regions
The fruit is produced mostly in the Southern Cape, part of the Western Cape and is delivered to the ARISA packing and treatment facility at Buffeljagsrivier near Swellendam in the Western Cape. While some Sharon Fruit is sold to the domestic market, most of the fruit is exported by sea through the port of Cape Town.
Persimmon Fruit Export Destinations
The largest export market for South African Sharon Fruit is the European Union, with the bulk of the fruit destined for supermarket programs in Northern Europe and the United Kingdom.
Technical Standards or Certification
Fresh persimmons that are exported from South Africa comply with export quality standards established by the South African PPECB (Perishable Products Export and Control Board).
For bulk or Persimmon Fruit export enquiries please use the enquiry link below.