Small Persimmons of Yantou

Small Persimmons of Yantou

　　In the Yantou Office of Yingpan Town, Lanping County, there grows a type of small persimmon. These persimmons are about the size of a regular fruit candy, seedless and pitless, yet they have fine-textured flesh and a deliciously sweet taste. Known as "Tangzhe," some people also call them "Little Cloves" because of their unique fragrance.

　　 　　These small persimmons are rich in sugar and nutrients. When people are hungry, just eating a few along with a glass of water can serve as a meal, instantly restoring energy.

　　 　　The small persimmon trees bloom in spring, bear fruit in summer, and ripen in autumn. At first, they are green, like strings of crystal-clear jade; gradually, they turn yellow, resembling golden beans; and finally, they are dyed black by frost. When winter arrives, the leaves on the persimmon trees have all fallen, leaving only clusters of dark fruits hanging heavily on the branches, bending the limbs. These ripe persimmons remain steadfast against wind and snow, waiting for people to harvest the year’s joy using long bamboo poles as sickles.

　　 　　Because of their delightful taste, flocks of mountain birds such as tits, hill mynas, and magpies come to peck at them, while animals like mole rats and binturongs take advantage of the cover of darkness to climb the trees and steal the fruit. The Lisu people use various methods to catch these birds and beasts. Especially at night, when ambushers suddenly shine flashlights, the binturongs caught in the bright light often fall into the hunters’ traps before they can react.

　　 　　When dried, the small persimmons can be stored for a long time and are commonly used by the Lisu people to serve visiting guests.