The Asian Persimmon Tree

When you think of a fruit tree, what comes to mind? Your mind probably goes to apples, bananas, oranges, and other well-known fruits.

Whether it’s because you’ve never heard of them or because you haven’t gotten the chance to try one, persimmons are a unique and underrated fruit variety that’s often overlooked and underappreciated.

Keep reading to learn all about the Asian Persimmon tree, including what it looks like, ways to enjoy its delicious fruits, and how to grow your own at home.

Looking to buy an Asian Persimmon Tree? Check availability!

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Characteristics of the Asian Persimmon Tree

What It Looks Like

The Asian Persimmon tree is relatively small and has a short base with branches that stem randomly from its trunk. These branches are covered in medium to dark green leaves that become yellow, orange, and red during the fall. They have a smooth lance shape and often fall from the tree before the fruit ripens.

Asian Persimmon trees, which can be male, female, or both, produce small, bell-shaped flowers. These delicate flowers can range in color from white/cream to yellow and green and eventually grow into the persimmon tree’s fruit.

These juicy fruits are generally oblong but can range from spherical to egg-shaped. They resemble orange-yellow tomatoes and sometimes have dark streaks throughout the flesh if they contain seeds.

Tree Size

Asian Persimmon trees range from 25-30 feet tall and average a 25-foot spread. They’re slow-growing trees, growing only one to two feet per year.

For more information on the size and growth time of persimmon trees, take a look at this article: How Fast Does a Persimmon Tree Grow?

How the Fruits Taste

Asian Persimmons are unique fruits that taste like no other. They have a slippery, silky texture and are rich, tangy, and sweet all at the same time.

Fuyu persimmons, originating in Asia, are sweet and, unlike other types, can be eaten while still firm. Other persimmon varieties are only sweet when they’re extra squishy from being ripe or overripe.

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History of the Asian Persimmon Tree

Persimmon trees were domesticated during the Qin and Han dynasties and date back as far as 221 B.C. Larger-scale cultivation of Asian Persimmon trees appeared in the Tang and Song dynasties—eventually, the main production districts formed in the middle and lower regions of the Yellow River.

Asian Persimmon trees are now domestically produced in great numbers by California orchards making it easily accessible with distribution throughout the United States.

The persimmon is also a symbol of good luck in Chinese culture, and during important holidays, many of their traditions and gifts revolve around persimmon fruits and trees. .

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Ways to Enjoy Fruits of the Asian Persimmon Tree

Raw

When ripe, Asian Persimmons are sweet and delicious, making them perfect for eating straight from the tree. They pair well with fatty foods such as cured meats and cheeses, making a great addition to any charcuterie board.

Try pairing slices of Asian Persimmons with mozzarella cheese, prosciutto, mixed nuts, and any of your other favorite snack board additions.

Sliced Asian Persimmons also make a great salad topping, especially in the fall months when Persimmons are – sweetest. Try this Citrus Salad Recipe and either supplement or swap the citrus fruits for the less acidic and mild-flavored persimmon.

Pureed

Another great way to use the fruits from your Asian Persimmon Tree is by making a sweet Persimmon jam. Replace the apricots in this Apricot Jam Recipe with your fresh persimmons to make a new favorite spread that elevates any breakfast or snack.

Baked

The honey-like flavor of persimmons pairs perfectly with baked goods. For a cozy autumn treat, try using your Asian Persimmons to make these flavorful Spiced Persimmon Muffins. They’re easy to make and can be enjoyed at any time of the day as a sweet pick-me-up.

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Persimmon Health Benefits

Persimmons are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants; studies have linked them to numerous potential health benefits.

They’re a great source of thiamin, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, and phosphorus. Persimmons are also low-calorie and have significant levels of vitamins A, C, and B, along with potassium and manganese.

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Growing Your Own

If you’d like to get your hands on Asian persimmons whenever you want, growing them at home is the best way to do that.

For in-depth instructions, make sure to take a look at our post on How to Grow a Persimmon Tree. In the next sections, we’ll outline some of the important steps below to help you get started:

Soil

Persimmon trees grow best in loamy soil that’s rich in organic material. They won’t do well in sandy soils but can tolerate other types, such as heavy clay (with good drainage) or low-fertility soils amended with organic compost.

Make sure the soil has good drainage, and be careful not to over-water to the point where the soil stays soggy.

Sunlight

When planning your Asian Persimmon tree placement, choose a spot that receives full sunlight for the best growth and production rate. Avoid frost damage by not placing your tree in areas with frost pockets.

Care Tips

Spacing for persimmons depends upon your desired landscape use.. Whether you’re using them for ornamental purposes or for their fruits, these trees should be a minimum of 10 feet apart when planted in a small garden.

For those planning to grow these trees across a large plot of land, be sure to space out your trees at least 20 feet.

You can protect your Asian Persimmon tree by providing a four-foot diameter weed and grass-free area. During the spring and summer months, you should also spread a four to six-inch layer of mulch a couple of inches away from the trunk to promote good circulation.

For the healthiest tree, be sure to consult our post on Persimmon Tree Care throughout your planting and growing process.

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The Beautiful & Delicious Asian Persimmon Tree

Now that you know more about this high-yielding and unique tree, it’s time for you to get your hands on one! Whether you’re looking for your next gardening project or are simply looking to try a new fruit, make sure you keep your eye out for Asian Persimmon trees and their fruits.

Visit our Persimmon Trees page for more information on all you need to know about growing and caring for different varieties of persimmons.