The Tale of Persimmons

While Japanese Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) turns heads, the humble Date-Plum (Diospyros lotus) waits to be celebrated

Persimmons are among the most fascinating yet underappreciated fruit of Kashmir. While apples, cherries, and walnuts steal the limelight in our orchards, the valley also nurtures two remarkable members of the persimmon family—Diospyros kaki, widely known as the Japanese persimmon, and Diospyros lotus, commonly called the date-plum and locally known by the name ‘Amlook’. Though they belong to same genus, their identity, value, and awareness among the public vary significantly.

Diospyros kaki arrived in India over a century ago, first introduced in Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh in 1921, and later found its way into parts of Kashmir. Its fruits are striking—large, tomato-like, and bright orange in color. With a naturally sweet and delicate taste, they are enjoyed fresh, dried, or processed into jams, desserts, and bakery products but are more astringent. Nutritionally, Diospyros kaki is a powerhouse, rich in vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants that strengthen immunity, improve digestion, and promote heart health. Globally, it is celebrated as a high-value fruit, but in Kashmir, it is still grown only on a small scale.

Diospyros lotus, on the other hand, has been a quiet companion of Kashmiri landscapes for centuries. Unlike the showy Japanese persimmon, its fruits are modest—small, round, and purplish-black when ripe. Their taste is mildly sweet with a slight astringency (lesser than Japanese Persimmon), making them perfect for drying or traditional sweet preparations. Beyond taste, Diospyros lotus carries immense nutritional and medicinal potential. Scientific studies reveal that it is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and natural antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties. In fact, it is the most frost tolerant species of the Diospyros genera and has high grafting affinity, and for that is used as a rootstock for Diospyros kaki.

Sadly, despite growing naturally in many parts of Kashmir, the true worth of Diospyros lotus remains hidden in plain sight. Many people either do not recognize it or dismiss it as a wild fruit of little value. This lack of awareness has led to its neglect, while in reality, the date-plum could be a game-changer for local nutrition, traditional medicine, and even livelihoods if promoted effectively.

Raising awareness about Diospyros lotus is therefore crucial. With proper promotion, it can find its place not only in local markets but also in national and international trade, much like other minor fruits that later became commercially successful. Encouraging its cultivation, processing, and use could open new avenues for farmers and entrepreneurs in the Valley.

At the same time, highlighting its health benefits can inspire people to include it in their diet, thereby connecting traditional knowledge with modern nutrition.
In the orchards of Kashmir, persimmons are not just fruits—they are a story of heritage, health, and hidden potential. While Diospyros kaki shines with its global appeal, it is Diospyros lotus that truly deserves rediscovery. The future of this humble date-plum lies in our hands: by valuing it, sharing its story, and making it part of our daily lives, we can turn an overlooked fruit into a symbol of both cultural pride and nutritional strength.

Due to its limited recognition and underexploited potential despite possessing multipurpose properties, division of silviculture and agroforestry faculty of forestry Benhama Ganderbal SKUAST-Kashmir has taken the initiative to propagate this important plant, for its extension in agroforestry and other land use systems, so that the potential of this plant can be utilized fully for livelihood improvement. This research initiative by, Rafee Jan, a research scholar from Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K along with the team of Scientists Dr G. M. Bhat (Professor and Head, Division of Silviculture and Agroforestry) and Dr Nazir A. Pala (Associate Professor, Division of Silviculture and Agroforestry) has been going on since 2023.

Dr. G.M.Bhat, Professor & Head, Silviculture & Agroforestry, Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K