It is not a mystery that the freshly harvested persimmons must be ‘detannified’ before they can be marketed. Except for the Kaki Vaniglia variety – which can be consumed as freshly picked – the most common Kaki Tipo and Rojo Brillante varieties undergo a process of neutralization of tannins before being distributed.
This completely natural process takes place in ‘ripening cells’ using ethylene and CO2. However, there is the suspicion that the permitted limits are sometimes crossed.
Mimma Divano, owner of the Divano Company – specialised in persimmon fruits – states, “It is impossible to have ripe traditional persimmon varieties already at the beginning of September. That is why we suspect that some utilise ripening products not allowed for treating persimmons. For instance, the EFETON molecule is used on apple trees 14 days before the harvesting. Whereas if it is used on persimmons, it should be done a few days after the harvesting, which is why it was forbidden.”
Divano continues, “Despite the quality certifications, the problem is that this type of molecules is not sought and therefore escapes the inspections.”
“Although limited at the moment, this phenomenon raises concerns, especially for the future. The reason lies in the fact that consumers would expect ripe persimmons ahead of time. I firmly believe that we as producers have moral obligations to follow and respect not only the production regulations but also to support the ripening of the fruits in the most natural way possible”
She adds, “Should not we consider seasonality as a value and stop treating this as a drawback? Are we really sure that the consumers prefer persimmons to grape, during the warm days of September? Maybe people prefer tasting this fruit in due time, when the temperatures will be a bit colder – and maybe buy it together with chestnuts which colours match perfectly
Info:
Mimma Divano - CEO and commercial director
Divano Srl
Via San Girolamo
81037 Sessa Aurunca (CE)
Tel.: (+39) 0823 604052
Fax: (+39) 0823 604921
Email: info@divanosrl.it
Web: www.divanosrl.it