Persimmons are becoming more widely known, thanks to Australia’s passion for cooking shows and increasingly adventurous palette. Each state grows persimmons at different times of the year, with Queensland producing the most, and at the moment Western Australia is in a hurry to catch up and satisfy local demand. “We’re expecting sales to double this year compared to last year,” says Brett DelSimone, of Springhill Orchard located in the Perth Hills area.
Last year 240 tonnes were harvested, according to him. This year, as one of the only growers in the Perth Hills region to use protective hail netting, Mr DelSimone says he has managed to secure an excellent harvest of up to 95% grade 1 quality. “Second grade fruit, due to external factors (parrots, fruit fly, limb rub, sunburn etc), are down to as low as 5-10%. Having spoken to other producers this season, several have indicated that they will be trialling netting over part of their crops for assessment to see if they can generate the same result,” he adds.Mr DelSimone and his uncle have so far harvested 1,000 trays off of 500 plantings, and more will come in May. “We’ve got 1000 trays at the moment and we’re still going. We pack them in trays ourselves and they’re all stickered for presentation,” he adds. The farm has ordered new plantings, which will be in by next year, and take up to three years to produce commercial fruit.
T
he new plants will all be the sweeter fuyu variety, as opposed to the more astringent, traditional variety that Mr DelSimone says is popular with older generations from Europe. Mr DelSimone says he and his uncle started growing persimmons ten years ago when he spotted the niche available for a fruit that comes in to harvest after the stonefruit he also grows.
he new plants will all be the sweeter fuyu variety, as opposed to the more astringent, traditional variety that Mr DelSimone says is popular with older generations from Europe. Mr DelSimone says he and his uncle started growing persimmons ten years ago when he spotted the niche available for a fruit that comes in to harvest after the stonefruit he also grows. While persimmon has always been widely eaten in Asia, there is not yet enough production in Western Australia for an export market. “I don’t know of any Western Australia export market for persimmons,” says Mr DelSimone.
As a fruit high in vitamin C, fibre and antioxidants thanks to its bright orange colour, persimmon is considered very versatile by the Persimmons Australia website, and growers alike. “The flesh doesn’t brown, they can be used in all sorts of dishes and are perfect for the school lunchbox. I probably eat 10 every morning while I’m out picking them!” says Mr DelSimone.
For more information
Brett DelSimone, Spokesperson, Hills Orchard Improvement Group & the Fruit Fly Action Group (HOIG)
Spring Hill Orchard
Phone: +61413343227
E-mail: springhillorchard@gmail.com
Website: www.persimmonsaustralia.com.au