Serra Gaúcha already harvests the persimmon crop

The persimmon harvest began this month in the mountainous region of the State, using the "Chocolatinho" variety, a fruit that is naturally small in size, early maturing, has crunchy pulp and is dark in color, and is less common in the region. Serra Gaúcha cultivates 1.700 hectares of persimmon trees on 905 properties, notably consisting of two varieties: Kioto (with dark chocolate pulp) and Fuyu (white chocolate).

According to agronomist Enio Ângelo Todeschini, rural extensionist at Emater/RS-Ascar, the persimmon groves demonstrate excellent health, vigor and a good fruit load. "The winter weather conditions were beneficial for the budding, vigor and fertility of the buds/shoots. In turn, the spring conditions were excellent for maintaining the health of the plants and fruits", he emphasizes.

Phytosanitary treatments follow to prevent the incidence of diseases, mechanical control (mowing) of competing herbs and nitrogen and potassium fertilization in coverage.

According to Todeschini, the expectation is to harvest in the region, without any unexpected factors, a "full" harvest, which could approach 30.000 tons of persimmons. The municipalities of Caxias do Sul, Farroupilha, Campestre, Antônio Prado and Pinto Bandeira stand out as the largest producers.

Mountain fruit, in addition to supplying the local and state market, also reaches national trade, mainly in the center and northeast of the country. The average price paid to the producer is R$ 2,00 per kilo.