Persimmon Prices Explained

Persimmon prices and supply outputs exhibited a mixed picture across regions. China, the world’s largest persimmon producer, witnessed a slight decline in output due to unfavorable weather conditions. However, Turkey and Spain experienced increased supply which offset the reduced Asian production.

On the other hand, the North American area sees a growing appreciation for persimmons, driven by their versatility in culinary applications and their perceived health benefits. Thus, this increased demand contributed to a more stable price environment for persimmons in the region.

Why are persimmon prices fluctuating?

1. Seasonality and Growing Conditions

The seasonality of persimmon availability affects its price as it is only available in the fall and winter, thus,  its limited availability during this time of year drives up demand and pricing. Additionally, the specific growth requirements of persimmons like warm climates and abundant sunlight, pose challenges for cultivation outside optimal regions such as California and the Mediterranean where they flourish.

2. Quality and Grade

Consumers prefer higher-quality persimmons for their superior flavor and texture, leading fruits that meet or surpass taste expectations command premium prices in the market.

For instance, Chico persimmon’s price ranges from $10 to $20 per pound because of its delicious, custard-like flesh, and edible skin, setting it apart from other persimmon kinds. Furthermore, prices for single fruits normally range from $0.50 to $3.00, depending on quality, size, and season.

3. Weather Conditions

A certain temperature and amount of sunlight are necessary for persimmons to grow to their full potential, thus,  any variation from those standards affects the fruit’s general development and health.

Also, unfavorable weather conditions are harmful to persimmon trees, especially in areas where temperatures fall below -17 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, it’s difficult for persimmon trees to bear fruit in hot weather as they don’t do well in droughts. Thus, weather systems contribute to the availability and prices of persimmon.

4. Transportation Costs

Changes in fuel prices directly affect the transportation costs of persimmon. Therefore, its costs go up when gasoline prices rise, particularly when the destination covers long distances. Furthermore, the cost of fuel largely comes from the price of crude oil and the exchange rate between the pound and dollar, ultimately impacting the overall pricing of persimmons.

Which variables impact the price of persimmon?

• Seasonality and Growing Conditions
• Quality and Grade
• Weather Conditions
• Transportation Costs
• Global Demand
• Market Conditions

Where does persimmon come from?

Persimmons are edible berries. Despite not exhibiting typical fruit traits, persimmons have been cultivated and enjoyed across various cultures for centuries.

Additionally, the fruit has adapted and diversified in different regions, resulting in a diverse array of persimmon varieties that possess unique characteristics in terms of taste, texture, and appearance.

There are several varieties of persimmons, but two of the most common types are:

Hachiya Persimmon – This variety is greater in size and has an acorn-like appearance. When they are fully ripe, they lose their astringent, bitter flavor and take on a soft, custard-like consistency.

Fuyu Persimmon – These round and squat-like tomatoes are well known for their crisp texture and sweet flavor. Like apples, they are eaten fresh. Also, they are frequently added to salads or other fresh foods.

Here’s a general overview of the persimmon harvesting process:

1. Harvesting – The persimmon kind and regional climate have an impact on when to harvest. To guarantee the finest flavor and texture, the fruit must be picked at the perfect stage of ripeness.

Additionally, they are picked by hand to prevent bruising and damage. Other harvesters use techniques such as utilizing pruning shears or gently pulling the fruit from the tree while keeping the calyx.

2. Storage and Transportation – After harvesting, persimmons are carefully sorted to remove any broken or underripe fruit. Then, they are bundled into containers to be transported to marketplaces or facilities for processing.

3. Ripening and Storage for Astringent Varieties – After harvest, astringent cultivars like Hachiya go through a regulated ripening process.

As part of this procedure, the fruit is placed in a cool and dark area to help it soften and sweeten gradually over time.

4. Post-Harvest Care – To maintain the quality of persimmons both in transit and on market shelves, careful post-harvest handling that includes proper handling techniques, temperature control, and storage conditions is necessary.

What are the uses of persimmon?

Persimmons have antioxidant qualities and are high in vitamins A, C, and K. Additionally, they improve insulin sensitivity and lower oxidative stress.

Generally known for their fresh use, they are also used in some industrial applications, but not as much as other fruits.

1. Traditional Medicine – Some cultures use persimmon as a traditional medicine to take advantage of their possible health benefits. Extracts from the leaves or fruits of persimmons can be used in herbal therapies.

2. Alcohol Production – Several regions use this fruit to make traditional alcoholic beverages like distilled to create specialty spirits or fermented to produce persimmon wine.

3. Cosmetics Product – Certain skincare products incorporate persimmon extracts or oils due to their perceived skin benefits. Furthermore, the antioxidant properties and potential skin-enhancing qualities of persimmon extracts make them a valuable addition to such cosmetic formulations.

4. Animal Feeds – Persimmons with defects or blemishes that are not considered fit for human consumption are useful as animal feed due to their high nutritional content.

5. Dye Production – Some varieties of persimmon contain unripe fruit that have tannins used in color manufacturing. These are chemicals that produce colors appropriate for dying textiles.

What is the future price of persimmon?

The main driver of the large-scale persimmon export industry is the creative use of excess fruit and leftovers in wholesome recipes, utilizing the fruit’s beneficial properties like its antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties.

Also, it is anticipated that the rising trend of persimmon farming will continue due to the quick developments in horticulture commodities’ availability and productivity. Furthermore, drying persimmons stands out as an essential processing technique that significantly increases the crop’s value and has promising growth opportunities for many commercial applications.

Therefore, the price of persimmon will reach $.30 to $.60 per kilogram in 2028, at a CAGR of 6.16%.