Gia Thanh Seedless Persimmons – Specialty of the Ancestral Land

Every autumn, the land of Gia Thanh in Phu Ninh district, Phu Tho province, is filled with the green, yellow, and red colors of Gia Thanh Seedless Persimmons. These renowned fruits are not only famous for their quality but also for being an economically valuable crop. Over the years, they have become intertwined with the people and the land of this Central Northern region, embodying the vitality of the countryside. With its simple charm, this sweet and fragrant local gift carries the essence of the Phu Tho land and its people.

Gia Thanh Seedless Persimmons have long been known as a famous and seasonal fruit, with only one harvest per year. The persimmon season in Gia Thanh typically lasts from the end of the seventh lunar month to the end of the eighth lunar month. During this short period, everyone wishes to enjoy and purchase these persimmons. If you delay, you might miss the season, as they are usually sold out quickly.

Shiny yellow persimmons under the autumn sun

The origin of Gia Thanh Seedless Persimmons can be traced back to Tien Cat, Viet Tri City, Phu Tho province. The locals have been cultivating these persimmon trees in household gardens in Gia Thanh commune, Phu Ninh district, for at least 50-70 years, with some trees reaching almost 70 years old. Currently, there are approximately 50 hectares of land dedicated to growing Gia Thanh Persimmons in Phu Ninh district, providing a source of income for the local population.

Large and beautiful Gia Thanh persimmons

Gia Thanh Persimmons are a variety of non-astringent persimmons known for their large size, beautiful appearance, and unique elongated, square-shaped form. The persimmon has a green peel that, when ripe, is harvested and then soaked. The soaking process is straightforward: immerse the persimmons in clean water for 2 days and 3 nights or 2 nights and 3 days, changing the water twice a day. Afterward, let them drain for a day before consuming to avoid soaking them until they turn red, which could cause the persimmons to crack. After soaking, test the persimmons with a knife; if no black sap oozes out, it means the persimmons are ripe and not astringent. If there is black sap, they need more soaking.

Soaking Gia Thanh Persimmons in clean water

When ripe, Gia Thanh Persimmons have a light yellow color, a star-shaped pattern when cut horizontally, a sweet and fragrant taste, a crisp texture, and a refreshing coolness. Moreover, Gia Thanh persimmons are rich in vitamins, beneficial for health and beauty. The crispy texture enhances the immune system, while the vitamin C content contributes to daily activities and nutritional needs for all ages. The trees are relatively easy to cultivate, with large, smooth leaves that are dark green. The fruits are large, have no seams, and notably, no seeds. Due to these advantages, Gia Thanh Persimmons are highly favored in the market, fetching higher prices compared to other persimmon varieties. The sweet and refreshing taste makes it a delightful choice for tourists who never get tired of eating them.

Plate of delicious Gia Thanh Persimmons

Particularly, these persimmons are grown organically, without using pesticides or plant protection chemicals, ensuring they are completely natural and free from harmful substances. Tourists can enjoy them with absolute peace of mind. Currently, Gia Thanh Persimmons are considered a spearhead crop in the local economic development. In 2019, the Intellectual Property Office (Ministry of Science and Technology) awarded the collective trademark “Gia Thanh Seedless Persimmons” to this fruit, granting permission for 159 households in Gia Thanh commune to use the collective trademark.

Gia Thanh Persimmons labeled with traceability stamps

In the general Mid-Autumn festival feast of the Vietnamese people and specifically in Phu Tho, without Gia Thanh Persimmons, the Mid-Autumn festival would be like losing the soul of the sky, the earth, and the autumn season. In the peaceful autumn of Gia Thanh, you can easily spot persimmon trees loaded with fruit. Every household has persimmon trees, and activities such as caring for and harvesting the fruit take place in a bustling atmosphere. The product is sweet, beautiful, and if you observe closely, you will see a bit of white powder on the persimmon peel. This powder is pollen, acting as a natural protective layer to shield the persimmons from insects, preserving their delightful aroma and purest taste.

Boxed Gia Thanh Persimmons with beautiful packaging suitable for gifts

Gia Thanh Persimmons are an enticing gift for those who live far from their hometown and for travelers from distant lands visiting Phu Tho. If you’re visiting Phu Tho during the autumn season and want to experience the peaceful countryside along the Lo River, consider visiting Gia Thanh in Phu Ninh district. This is a prosperous land with a rich cultural heritage, as evidenced by the archaeological site at Xom Ren, the traditional conical hat village of Gia Thanh, and the dazzling golden and green hues of the persimmons. Enjoy the unique flavor of this local specialty that carries the essence of the ancestral land—a truly delightful experience for visitors from near and far.