Persimmons have had a difficult start to the year. However, the fruit has persevered.
New Zealand’s short but sweet persimmon season is now underway, with the 2023 crop of this vibrant orange, honey-flavoured fruit available in stores from May to July.
Persimmons are grown commercially across the top half of the North Island, so most of the country’s growers have felt the full force of both cyclones Hale and Gabrielle this season.
Ian Turk, Manager of the New Zealand Persimmon Industry Council, stated that the unprecedented weather would affect the volume of fruit available this year.
“Fortunately, our orchards largely escaped structural or flood damage. However, the wet and windy summer has presented a challenge to growers. Our overall crop is expected to be lower than normal, and some shoppers may notice minor marks and blemishes from wind damage,” revealed Turk.
Turk elaborated that despite the challenge, the fruit quality and flavour from this year are excellent, with the Manager describing this season's fruit as juicy and great tasting.
This year the New Zealand persimmon industry is on track to export around 1000 tonnes of fresh persimmons to consumers in Australia, South East Asia, Japan, Vietnam, the United States and China.
Turk shared that New Zealand persimmons were sought after in overseas markets. New Zealand's grown modern fuyu variety is non-astringent and can be eaten like an apple while the fruit remains crisp.
5+ A Day Trustee, Principal Scientist, and Team Leader at Plant and Food Research, Dr Carolyn Lister, said New Zealand persimmons pack a surprising nutritional punch.
“Persimmons are a good source of Vitamins C which supports your immune system. The persimmon season in May, June and July coincides with our cold and flu season, so eating persimmons during these months offers great nutritional value,” shared Lister.
Persimmons are relatively low in calories despite their sweet flavour, making them a naturally healthy choice for the whole whānau.
Lister revealed that most New Zealand persimmons would be eaten as fresh fruit. However, there were plenty of exciting ways to utilise the fruit, including in dishes such as salad or as an addition to the breakfast bowl.
