Persimmons of Yishui

Persimmons of Yishui

　　The main persimmon-producing areas in Yishui County are located in the western mountainous towns such as Cuijiayu, Xiawei, Gaizhuang, Longjiaquan, and Zhuge, covering a total area of 30,000 mu. The primary varieties grown include Yishui Water Persimmon, Mirror-Faced Persimmon, and Japanese Sweet Persimmon. The annual yield of fresh persimmons reaches 25 million kilograms, with a production value of 30 million yuan. Of this, 5 million kilograms are processed into dried persimmons, becoming a specialty of the Yimeng Mountain area. These are sold to major cities across the country including Shanghai and Beijing, and some products are exported to Japan, Russia, and Southeast Asian countries, enjoying a high reputation.

　　 Persimmon cultivation in Yishui County has a long history. According to the "Yishui County Annals," the practice of planting persimmons dates back to the Ming Dynasty. By the 1950s, the number of Yishui Water Persimmon trees had grown to 160,000, yielding 6 million kilograms of fresh persimmons annually. In recent years, the Yishui County People's Government has consistently prioritized mountainous area development, implementing a series of preferential policies. The county’s persimmon cultivation area has been increasing at a rate of 5,000 mu per year, making it one of the key projects for local farmers to shake off poverty and achieve prosperity.

　　 Yishui persimmons are known for their large size, uniform shape, smooth skin, tender and crisp flesh, abundant juice, sweet taste, and high sugar content. The dried persimmons made from them are fine-textured, sweet, transparent, and covered with a thick layer of frost, making them highly popular among consumers.