Kendall Farms | Dwarf Persimmon

The History of Persimmon

These are Dwarf Persimmon Trees. Persimmons are known throughout Asia as ‘The Fruit of the Gods’. This is a non-astringent variety which means it does not have to be jelly like to eat. It is eaten just like an apple with the same crunch and crisp sweet texture. It is a delightful taste and among the most sought after of summer fruits.

The oriental persimmon is native to China, where it has been cultivated for centuries and more than two thousand different cultivars exist. It spread to Korea and Japan many years ago where additional cultivars were developed. The plant was introduced to California in the mid 1800's and is now gaining prominence around the world (especially in hotter regions) as a prized fruit.

The Kendall Farms Range

Dwarf Ichikikei Jiro - The fruit is large and resembles the Fuyu, but more truncated and squarish in cross-section with an orange-red skin. and excellent flavour and. Ripens late October and early November, ships well. Often sold as Fuyu. Tree slightly upright and highly decorative. Most popular non-astringent variety in California

Cultivation Notes

Full sun with some air movement is recommended for persimmon trees. Most trees do well with a minimum of fertilizing. Excess nitrogen can cause fruit drop. If mature leaves are not deep green and shoot growth is less than a foot per year, apply a balanced fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 at a rate of l pound per inch of trunk diameter at ground level. Spread the fertilizer evenly under the canopy in late winter or early spring.

Health Benefits

A Jiro persimmon is nutritious. It is high in Vitamins A & C. A medium sized fruit has no fat but does have about 25 grams of sugar.

Interesting Facts

Try just munching one! It is crisp like an apple, sweet like a pear. Wash the Fuyu. Some like to peel the fruit.

Some favourite ways to enjoy the Jiro!

Slice Jiro and spread with lime juice, salt, and chilli powder. Eat with a slice of cheese or spread with peanut butter. For an Autumn Salad, mix cubed Jiro with grapes, pomegranate seeds, cubed apple, and pretty sliced green kiwi. Top hot or cold cereal with little pieces of bright orange Jiro. Salsa is great when chopped Jiro, onion, tomatillo, cilantro, and chilli Serrano are mixed together. Smoothies can be blended using Jiro, ice, lime juice, and milk. Sweeten if desired. Syrup for hotcakes is delightful when peeled and chopped or blended Jiro is cooked with butter and sugar. Dehydrate thin slices of Jiro to enjoy as a snack or to add to trail mix.