Diospyros kaki Sharon - Persimmon

Diospyros kaki 'Sharon' (also known as 'Triumph' and 'Sharoni') is a variety of persimmon tree cultivated on a large scale, with its fruits found on many stalls in autumn and winter. When ripe, its flattened persimmons are orange in colour and have a characteristic ribbed and slightly square shape. They are appreciated for their soft and very sweet flesh, which has few seeds. This fairly vigorous tree is highly productive and provides a regular harvest from year to year. The persimmons are harvested from late October to early November.

'Sharon' belongs to the category of astringent persimmon trees, meaning they are only edible when over-ripe with a soft texture. This happens after being exposed to a light frost. This variety produces medium-sized fruits with thin skin and a fairly fine pulp. The tasty flesh is very sweet when fully over-ripe. The fruits can be cooked into jam or compote, eaten raw in salads with or without cream, or dried in the same way as figs. Explore all the different ways to discover their various flavours.

Diospyros kaki belongs to the Ebenaceae family, like ebony (D. ebenum), with which it shares a common feature: very hard wood. Its name comes from the combination of the Greek words "Dios" (God) and "Pyros" (wheat). It originates from the Far East, particularly from southern China.

It develops a rounded habit, reaching a height of 6 to 10m (20 to 33ft) and a width of 5 to 7m (16 to 23ft). Its growth rate is rather slow. The shiny green leaves are elongated, measuring about 15cm (6in) long.

'Sharon' is hardy to -15°C (5°F), although occasional severe frosts in eastern regions can weaken it. It is a self-fertile variety. The flowering is late, appearing in May-June, in the form of small insignificant yellow flowers that are pollinated by insects.