Diospyros kaki Rojo Brillante - Persimmon

Diospyros kaki 'Rouge Brillant', also known as 'Rojo Brillante', is a large persimmon tree with particularly abundant and regular productivity. It is well-known to the general public through its large and delicious fruits found on stands in autumn and winter, sold under the name Persimmon. Its large, elongated, slightly ribbed fruit changes from yellow to dark red. When over-ripe, it contains a liquid, sweet, and slightly vanilla-flavoured pulp of excellent taste quality. It can be dried, sliced, and stored very well in a cool place. Late harvesting and ripening in December. This variety is to be reserved for the southern half of France or other hot regions.

The Kaki 'Rouge Brillant' is classified in the category of astringent persimmon trees, which means they can only be consumed when over-ripe, when they have a soft to mushy texture. To achieve this, they must have experienced the first frost. This variety produces very large fruits, averaging 270 grams, with a conical elongated shape and slightly ribbed, with moderately thin skin. They can be harvested and enjoyed when their colour is a reddish-orange, but are preferably consumed at physiological ripeness, when they have turned red. The pulp is then reddish-orange in colour, with a liquid texture, very little fibrous, and seedless. It is of very good taste quality and very sweet when fully over-ripe. The fruits can be cooked into marmalade or compote, eaten raw in salad with or without cream, or dried in the same way as figs. Explore all the different ways to discover their various flavors.

The Kaki (Dyospiros kaki) is a tree native to China, with a rounded habit, reaching 6 to 10 metres (20 to 33 feet) in height and 5 to 7 metres (16 to 23 feet) in width. Its growth is rather slow. Belonging to the family Ebenaceae, its wood is very hard. The leaves of the Persimmon tree are elongated, about fifteen centimetres long, and shiny green in colour. The 'Rojo Brillante' persimmon is adapted to the south of the Loire region, it needs warmth and sunlight for fruit ripening. Hardy down to -15°C, it is however sensitive to occasional severe frosts that can weaken it. Flowering occurs in May, with small insignificant yellowish flowers that attract pollinating insects.

Planting is done in frost-free autumn or winter, or alternatively in spring with regular watering. Choose a sunny and sheltered location. The Chinese Persimmon tree thrives in all types of soil, preferably with an acidic tendency. It prefers well-drained and rich soils. Once well-rooted in deep soil, it tolerates summer drought quite well. If you plant multiple trees, space them 5 to 7 metres (16 to 23 feet) apart in all directions.

This lovely genus name, Diospyros, comes from Greek and means "fruit of the gods"!