Gardening Express Hardy Sharon Fruit Tree

One of those unusual fruits often spotted in the supermarket, but not always purchased is the Sharon Fruit or Persimmon as it is also known. Looking incredibly exotic, these are surely difficult to grow and come from some tropical paradise? This attractive tree is also grown for ...One of those unusual fruits often spotted in the supermarket, but not always purchased is the Sharon Fruit or Persimmon as it is also known. Looking incredibly exotic, these are surely difficult to grow and come from some tropical paradise? This attractive tree is also grown for its excellent autumn foliage which turns to shades of orange, red and purple before the cold weather arrives.

If you are new to these fruits, they are well worth growing, being highly nutritious, they contain high levels of dietary fibre, phenolic compounds, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and manganese. They are also rich in vitamin C and beta carotene. Regular consumption of the fruit is believed to reduce the risk of heart attacks - and that's got to be a good thing! The fruit are very sweet with a slight tang with a soft texture when ripe and ready to eat.

They can also be cooked and used like apples if you have too many to eat fresh. Known to the ancient Greeks as "the fruit of the gods", or often referred to as "nature's candy", isn't it time you started to grow some of your own? Supplied at a total height of around 160-180cms tall including pot, these trees have a nice straight trunk, and are starting to form a canopy of branches and lush foliage, capable of fruiting within a year or so of planting.