If you have seen bright orange, tomato-shaped fruit at the fruit stall this week, it is probably persimmon, often sold in India as "Japani phal". It is an autumn fruit, and late October is when Indian mandis start trading it in volume.
Where it comes from
In India, persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is grown mainly in the cooler hills of Himachal Pradesh. A Fructidor report (November 2025), citing ETV Bharat, said the area under persimmon in Kullu district grew from about 200 hectares in 2023 to 404 hectares in 2025, as growers moved away from crops that need more inputs.
What mandis are reporting this week
Agmarknet prices compiled by TodayMarketRates show:
- a median of about ₹100 per kg across 15 mandis reporting between 23 and 26 October 2026
- Azadpur, Delhi at ₹103.33/kg (modal price) on 24 October
- most reporting mandis in Himachal Pradesh, from about ₹60/kg to ₹150/kg depending on market and grade
These are wholesale prices. Shop prices are usually higher.
How to pick and eat persimmon
- Astringent types (often more pointed) have high tannins and taste dry and puckery until they turn very soft, almost jelly-like.
- Non-astringent types (often flatter, squat shapes) can be eaten firm, sliced like an apple.
- Eat it fresh, add slices to a fruit bowl, or spoon out a very ripe one.
As with any fruit, persimmon fits best into a varied diet with plenty of different fruits and vegetables (ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024).
Sources
Questions
Where are persimmons grown in India?
Mainly in the cooler hill districts of Himachal Pradesh, such as Kullu. Most reporting mandis in late October 2026 were in Himachal, plus Azadpur in Delhi.
What does persimmon cost right now?
Agmarknet data compiled by TodayMarketRates show a median wholesale price of about ₹100/kg across 15 mandis on 23–26 October 2026. Shop prices are usually higher.
Why does some persimmon taste dry and puckery?
Astringent varieties are high in tannins until they are fully soft. Wait until the fruit feels jelly-soft, or choose a non-astringent variety.
Do you share persimmon recipes?
No. We share ideas, not recipes.
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