Fuyu Japanese Persimmom Tree

Fuyu Japanese Persimmon Tree

Diospuros kaki “Fujy”

 Rosina T. Schmidt

The Fuyu Persimmon Tree will grow best in any well-drained garden soil, in Zone 7 to 10, as long as it is in full sun. No special pruning is necessary, but it can be trimmed to size if needed. It’s moderately drought resistant and usually free of both pests and diseases. It is a deciduous tree with a spreading crown clothed in glossy dark green leaves. It can reach a height of 6m – 9m (20’-30’) and will bear honey-sweet orange fruit for years and years.

Ripening Fuji Persimmon Tree dusted lightly with snow – photo: RTS

Unlike other Persimmon trees, this one is of non-astringent variety, and it is self-pollinating, therefore will not have any seeds. Fuyu is the best variety for eating while still firm, with low tannin, so it tastes good without completely ripening.

On Vancouver Island, the fruit will not ripen fully on the tree so it should be picked before the arrival of the big storms, towards the end of November. To fully ripen keep the Persimmon for a few weeks in a warm place.

Persimmon fruit ripening for a few weeks in a warm place – photo RTS

One Persimmon fruit – ca. 168 – grams contains:

Calories: 118
Carbs: 31 grams
Protein: 1 gram
Fiber: 6 grams
Fat: 0.3 gram
Vitamin A: 55% of the RDI
Vitamin C: 22% of the RDI
Vitamin E: 6% of the RDI
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): 8% of the RDI
Potassium: 8% of the RDI
Copper: 9% of the RDI
Manganese: 30% of the RDI

Note: it’s wight loss friendly food. The leaves of the Persimmon tree are high in vitamin C, tannins and fiber, as well as a common ingredient in therapeutic herbal teas.

19th Dec. 2022