Persimmon Trees

Diospyros kaki (persimmon), Diospyros virginiana (American persimmon) and their interspecific hybrids are deciduous trees of the Ebenaceae family. While the Asian D. kaki is characterized by large fruits and lower frost resistance, the North American D. virginiana is extremely frost-resistant but has smaller fruits. Hybrids (e.g., 'Rosseyanka') combine the resistance of virginiana with the quality of kaki. The fruit is a berry with a persistent calyx. Botanically, they are divided into astringent and sweet types, depending on the content of soluble tannins. Nutritionally, the fruits are an important source of quick energy (glucose, fructose), fiber, manganese, and provitamin A. The phytochemical profile is defined by a high concentration of carotenoids (beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene), which provide strong antioxidant activity. A unique component is proanthocyanidins (shibuol), which cause bitterness; their polymerization during ripening makes them insoluble and changes the taste to sweet.