FRUITS OF FALL-THE PERSIMMON

The warm days and cool nights of fall work wonders. They make apples sweeter, and turn the formerly astringent native persimmons into tasty treats.

Persimmons are a connoisseur fruit. They aren't as popular as some other seasonal items.

These autumn fruits are just gorgeous. There are many varieties of Japanese or kaki persimmons available in a wide array of colors. Jewel tones are the most common with various shades of orange, yellow, and reds. They also vary in shape as well. Some are acorn-shaped, while others are squat.

When choosing a persimmon tree, the first thing to consider is climate. The native plant is known for its hardiness. But most of the Japanese or Oriental persimmons will not tolerate temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit or so, and require a long season for the fruit to mature.

So far as pollination is concerned, things become complex. Some plants will have male and female flowers on separate trees. If that's the case, you'll need both kinds for fruit production. On the other hand, some trees are self-fruitful. Read the catalog description carefully to learn about pollination for the ones you've chosen.

Persimmons deserve to be part of the edible landscape. They offer vivid autumn foliage. A short time later after the leaves fall, the tree is breathtakingly beautiful with fruits appearing as ornaments.

Pucker up. That's what you'll do if you eat a native persimmon before its time. The tannin makes it very astringent. This is also true for some of the Japanese ones. If you're buying a Japanese persimmon tree, sample the fruit of that particular variety to learn what you're getting.

Unfortunately, some of the early European settlers in America attempted to eat the unripe native fruits. Captain John Smith wrote after they arrived in Jamestown, "If it not be ripe, it will draw a man's mouth awrie with much torment; but when it is ripe, it is as delicious as an apricock."

The native persimmon has seeds, as do some of the Japanese ones. If you prefer the seedless, choose an appropriate variety.

A number of improved varieties of the native persimmon are available, There are so many kinds of Japanese persimmons that you may find it hard to choose. After all, this is one of the most popular subtropical fruits in Asian countries.

Apparently, the Japanese persimmon originated in southern China. The original species from which it was bred is now unknown. They reached the U.S. following Admiral Perry's visit to Japan in 1853. Following that, improved grafted trees were introduced to America as a result of efforts by the U.S.D.A.

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