Sheng Persimmon

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China (traditional)

Sheng is genuinely one of the most visually distinctive persimmon varieties grown, with fruit described consistently across multiple grower sources as shaped like a miniature pumpkin — flat, with six prominent ribbed, puckered lobes radiating from the calyx. It has real, documented popularity specifically in Florida, where it bears annual crops reliably once pollinated, with a spicy-sweet flavor and high jelly content. The tree is medium-sized, spreading, shows some genuine cold tolerance for an Asian persimmon variety, and ripens mid-September through mid-October.

Submitted by @system · today

Counts toward the overall Top Tier Fruit list — every category's votes are compared the same way.

Growing & Care

Hardiness zone

USDA Zones 7-10

Chill hours

~200 hours

Pollination

Self-fertile; does not need a pollinator. Astringent type — must fully soften to a jelly-like consistency before eating.

Care info

Moderately vigorous and productive; requires patience to allow full ripening and loss of astringency before the fruit is palatable.

Recommendations

A linguistically and culturally interesting entry point into China's deep, centuries-long traditional persimmon-growing heritage.

Flavor Profile

Rich and sweet, honeyed once fully softened; astringent and inedible while firm

Quick facts

Skin color

Orange

Size

Medium to large

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