The Latest Dirt - November 2024

Sweet or Astringent? Solving the Puzzle of Your Persimmon Tree

by Sara Hoyer

Persimmon_Photo Courtesy by Client

I have a persimmon tree, but I’m unsure what type it is, and this has puzzled me for a few years. It turned orange a few weeks ago, while my Fuyu is still turning color. It’s not Fuyu. It’s shaped like Fuyu, perhaps slightly bigger.

I tasted a few last year. One was extremely astringent, and one tasted good like Fuyu. One was half astringent and half good tasting, all around the same time. The ones we tasted this year, despite being deep in orange, are very astringent. Some are brown inside, and some look more orange inside.

I couldn’t get any answers from local gardening groups, so I thought I’d contact you to see if you have thoughts on what I may have.

Persimmon Tree

Thank you for contacting the UC Master Gardener Program Help Desk with your persimmon ID question. Your description of the fruit your tree produces is quite interesting. You say that it is ripening earlier than your Fuyu, is shaped like a Fuyu but maybe a bit larger and has an astringent flavor in some cases and a sweet flavor in others. Some also have brown flesh, while some are the normal orange color.

I had no idea if I could find an answer for you. I researched the more common varieties grown here in California and found quite a number that I had never heard of. I did come across one that I think maybe a match. Maru persimmons, sometimes called chocolate persimmons, are a somewhat rare variety. They are not commonly grown commercially because of their inconsistent and unpredictable ripening habits.

I was curious as to how the fruit on one tree could differ so much, and it has to do with whether the fruit was pollinated or not. When Maru persimmons are pollinated, they are sweet in both their firm and soft state, but unpollinated fruit are very astringent until they become soft. The pollinated fruit will develop seeds and also develop the brown coloration of the flesh. These brown areas in the fruit are the sweetest parts and are considered a delicacy in Japan.
The best information I found on this variety is in this link from a produce seller in San Diego, California:

https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Maru_Persimmons_6557.php

Please note that this link has been given for informational purposes only. The UC Master Gardener Program does not endorse the products or services provided by Specialty Produce.