Persimmons Production in Australia (2019)

Overview

Persimmons are grown all over the Australian states, with half of the production hailing from Queensland. Moreover, this fruit is exported but the majority of the production is utilized in the fresh markets.         

Statistics

As of June 2019:

1. 2,643 tonnes of these vegetables were produced and valued at $9.6 million.
2. 9% of Australian households purchased fresh persimmons, buying an average of 468 grams per shopping trip.
3. The supply per capita was estimated at 123 grams, based on the volume that was supplied.
4. The wholesale value of the fresh supply was estimated at $13.2 million, with $10.6 million distributed into retail and $2.6 million went into food service.

Major Persimmons Production Areas

These vegetables are predominantly produced in south-east Queensland. Some of the other major producing areas include the Sydney Basin in New South Wales, Sunraysia, the Goulburn Valley and the Murray Valley regions in Victoria. Moreover, Riverland, located near the South Australian border, is also an avid producer of persimmons.

Top Seven Health Benefits

These vegetables are an excellent source of powerful antioxidants like carotenoids and flavonoids. Diets rich in these compounds have been linked to a reduced risk of certain diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.

Persimmons are high in important vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C and B, potassium and manganese. They also contain beneficial plant compounds like tannins and flavonoids.

Persimmons contain flavonoid antioxidants and tannins, which benefit heart health by reducing blood pressure, lowering inflammation and decreasing cholesterol levels.

Persimmons are rich in the powerful antioxidant vitamin C, which helps lower inflammation, a common cause of many diseases.

Fresh Persimmons International Trade

There is a small amount of these vegetables that are internationally traded. Typically, there are much more imports than exports. As of June 2019, Australia exported 125 tonnes of this vegetable.

Article by: Hari Yellina (Orchard Tech)