Extending the harvesting of persimmons - and therefore their marketing calendar - to start in mid-October and end at the end of January allows farmers to make themselves more appealing, providing buyers with ample planning at a time when there is little or no supply.
Fruits ready to be harvested
In recent years, farmers have been specialising in managing their orchards according to market requirements by implementing specific agronomic solutions. Roberto Frabbetti from the F.lli Frabetti farm in Scanzano Jonico (Matera), which boasts 15 hectares of Rojo Brillante, and also grows the Divino - il kaki italiano™- brand, tells of his experience from one of the Basilicata orchards.
"Right now I am harvesting the fruits from an orchard that features mulching films and anti-hail nets. This is only the first year, but can consider myself very pleased with the results, also made possible thanks to agronomist Vito Vitelli. I applied the delaying technique on about 2.5 hectares, the last ones left with hanging fruits: persimmons have retained their attractive appearance, with a bright orange colour and a size of 250 to 350g. The plants are leafless. Delaying the ripening process also involves administering certain substances as early as late summer, when fruit veraison begins."
Compared to the others, the Rojo Brillante variety boasts a much-appreciated flexibility in ripening, which allows farmers to delay ripening without affecting quality. Various experiments have shown that the best way to store persimmons is on the plants. Early harvesting with the fruits placed in units allows storage for no more than 20-25 days.
Harvesting of Rojo Brillante persimmons - 8 January 2025
"I would have liked to delay harvesting for another week, but the commercial needs of Gallicchio Frutta, owner of the Divino brand, led me to bringing operations forward. By regulating the supply flow, we are able to make the fruits available during the most suitable weeks, and thus obtain a higher remuneration."
For more information:
Azienda Agricola F.lli Frabetti
+39 3337093687