• Persimmon is a representative of the Abonotaceae family, about 200 species are known. Persimmon originates from China, and today it lives in Italy, Spain, Israel and Transcaucasia. It is also referred to as the “winter cherry”. In the territory of the former USSR, 3 types of persimmon were grown: Japanese, Caucasian and Virginian. Two types of persimmon are mainly distributed in Georgia: ordinary persimmon, which can be eaten after full ripening, and karaliok (koroliok) – its fruit is eaten even when it is still firm. In Japan, they say that when persimmon ripens, doctors are left unemployed. This wonderful fruit was also appreciated by the ancient Greeks. In our country, it is called karaliok or persimmon, and in Europe – kaki/sharon/persimmon. Karaliok is simply a variety of persimmon. The persimmon develops from a female flower, while the carambola develops from a male flower.
• Persimmon fruit has a high nutritional value, mainly due to its content of glucose and sucrose. It contains vitamin C, provitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamins C, PP, E, malic and citric acid, a lot of iron, calcium, copper, manganese and potassium. The iodine contained in persimmons replenishes the body’s iodine deficiency in case of thyroid dysfunction. Persimmons are in first place in terms of the content of the following substances: sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and others. Persimmons contain a large amount of proteins, carbohydrates and organic acids, as well as potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus and iron. 100 grams of persimmons contain only 53 calories.
• Persimmons have tonic properties, improve appetite, and increase working capacity. They are inferior to apples in the fight against atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, and are not even equal to eggs in terms of protein content. Persimmons contain significantly more antioxidants. Persimmons are useful for kidney and heart diseases, have a diuretic effect. They calm the nervous system, and have a bactericidal effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
• The iodine contained in persimmons replenishes the body’s iodine deficiency in case of thyroid dysfunction. It improves appetite, improves mood, has a positive effect on the nervous system, and relieves fatigue. Persimmons are useful for vision, the cardiovascular system, and the prevention of atherosclerosis. They remove sodium salts from the body and prevent the formation of stones.
• Persimmon, in addition to having many medicinal properties, is also actively used in cosmetology. It can be used to prepare face masks for all skin types. Western cosmetologists call persimmons the secret of geisha beauty. Persimmons are a low-calorie product. 100 grams contain an average of 66 kilocalories, therefore, despite its sweetness, as a low-calorie fruit, it is on the list of dietary products for those who want to lose weight. Persimmons are one of the best herbal remedies for maintaining good eyesight, it also strengthens the body and prevents its premature aging. It is a source of energy and helps increase potency, as well as detoxifies the liver, lowers blood pressure and protects the skin from wrinkles.
• This culture was introduced to Western Georgia from Italy in the 90s of the 19th century, from where it spread to other regions of Georgia. Persimmon is a steppe plant, its usual habitat is moist lowlands, ravines and damp slopes. However, it is worth noting that a wild relative of this culture, the Caucasian persimmon, has been known in Georgia for a long time. It has spread to Western Georgia, in some regions of Kakheti and Kartli. When growing a garden, special attention should be paid to the correct selection of the territory, since it can withstand frosts of 18-200C, it is desirable that the amount of precipitation exceeds 1000 mm, and the sum of active temperatures is 3500-36000C. During the vegetation period. Subtropical persimmons from Georgia are exported to the markets of Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine. Ukraine is the largest consumer of subtropical persimmons.
• What do you think, which region grows the best persimmons? Is it useful for economic activities? Share your knowledge and experience with us, it’s interesting. You can also upload photos of your harvest in the comments.