Gutian Persimmons

Gutian Persimmons

　　Gutian persimmons (Diospyros kaki Linn.f.) are brightly colored, beautifully shaped, and have flesh that is either crisp and sweet or soft and juicy, with a high sugar content. Besides being eaten fresh, they can also be processed into persimmon balls, which are popular along the coast and cherished as a nourishing delicacy by fishermen heading out to sea. Gutian persimmons are highly nutritious, containing various essential nutrients required by the human body, and offer benefits such as stopping bleeding and moistening the intestines, preventing arteriosclerosis, lowering blood pressure, detoxifying alcohol, and promoting diuresis to reduce swelling. Persimmon frost can treat sore throats, dryness in the throat, and mouth ulcers, while persimmon calyxes can help with hiccups and nocturia, among other therapeutic effects.

　　 The production of Gutian persimmons has a long history, dating back over 300 years. They are mainly grown in mountainous areas at altitudes of 400–900 meters in townships such as Daqiao, Jixiang, and Hubin in our county. Notable fresh varieties include August Yellow, Duck Egg Persimmon, and Lantern Persimmon. Varieties used for processing into persimmon balls include Peach Round Persimmon and Mountain Tiger Persimmon.

　　Gutian persimmon trees are highly adaptable, require minimal management, yield abundantly, and have a long lifespan. Trees over 200 years old, passed down through generations, are common in Daqiao Township, where they remain vigorous and productive to this day, with individual trees yielding up to 1,000–2,000 pounds. In 2001, the county had a total persimmon cultivation area of 2,943 mu, with an annual output of 1,486 tons.