The South Australian persimmon season started at the end of March, which is just as expected for South Australia. Persimmons are mostly grown in the Riverland with smaller quantities coming from the Adelaide hills.
"We have had a very dry year, and there have been some extreme heat days," said Penny Reidy, Marketing, BD & Communications Manager at South Australian Produce Market. "However, the major Riverland persimmon growers are mostly under nets, which has saved the fruit from any burning from the sun."
© SA MarketsPenny Reidy at the South Australian Produce Market with in-season SA-grown persimmon
South Australia will reach the peak of the season next week in the lead up to Easter and will run until the end of April.
"Demand for persimmons is seeing an upward shift in South Australia. The more people are educated about them and know they are available, the more they are trying them and adding them into their shopping baskets. South Australian independent retailers are supporting the growers and stocking them in stores, providing a variety not as commonly seen in larger supermarket chains. Wholesalers at the South Australian Produce Market have reported demand growing year on year.
"Non astringent persimmons – the modern-day variety - can be enjoyed both hard or soft. When hard, they eat like an apple and offer a great on-the-go snack. When they have ripened and softened, they become more a custard consistency and offer a different eating experience. Astringent varieties, on the other hand, are best eaten when ripe and soft. The most common varieties grown in South Australia are the non-asingtingent Jiro and Fuyu.
For more information:
Penny Reidy
South Australian Produce Market Limited
Tel: +61 8 8349 4493
penny@saproducemarket.com.au
www.saproducemarket.com.au