Harvesting is getting started on California's organic persimmons crop. "Conventional Fuyu persimmons started a little bit before we did on the organic side. Right now, the smaller fruit is what colors first so the fruit that's coming in, it's from those who are willing to color pick the small fruit off the trees that gets the early color," says Mason Parkinson of Valliwide Organics.
© Valliwide Organics
On organic Hachiyas and Fuyus, harvest is also starting with peak volume coming on in 10-17 days. "So it's just the early scratchings of both the Fuyus and Hachiyas coming in and then we'll ramp up into full production in the next 10-17 days," says Parkinson.
Larger fruit expected
Even though persimmons are a very grower-friendly commodity given they pollinate themselves, are disease-resistant and more, this year the Hachiya crop is about 70-75 percent of a crop and the Fuyu is about 60 percent of a normal crop. Valliwide Organics also has additional Fuyu acreage that's coming into production this year. "With the slightly smaller crop yield comes larger fruit so it should be better for those who do retail. Those who run bag or clamshell programs could be the ones who see their season wrap up sooner than normal," says Parkinson.
© Valliwide Organics
As for demand, it's anticipated to look steady. "Early season pricing is similar to last year, maybe a little bit higher," he says, adding that the Hachiya persimmon, considered the "baking persimmon", does see demand pick up around the holidays. "I expect most of November will be steady with program business and then into December, pricing normally comes down but maybe it will hold steadier than in previous years with folks knowing it should wrap up earlier than usual."
For more information:
Mason Parkinson
Valliwide Organics
Tel: +1 (559) 638-5595
https://www.vworganic.com/