Persimmon Season Extends Past the New Year with JVI Imports ‘Rojo Brillante’
One of the most popular persimmon varieties in Europe has found its way to the US market by JVI Imports – ‘Rojo Brillante’ (also known as kaki). ‘Rojo Brillante’ persimmon are a large acorn-shaped variety of persimmon that come directly from Spain.
‘Rojo Brillante’ are a unique variety – they are technically astringent, like a ‘Hachiya,’ but undergo a special ripening process that allows them to be eaten firm or soft, like a ‘Fuyu.’ Persimmon varieties are generally referred to as astringent or non-astringent. Astringent varieties are extremely bitter when firm and must be fully ripened to a jelly-soft stage before they are consumed. Non-astringent varieties can be eaten firm or soft.
Why JVI Imports’ ‘Rojo Brillante’ Persimmon?
JVI Imports partners exclusively with the Natural Hand to bring fresh Spanish persimmon to the US market. The Natural Hand has specialized in growing ‘Rojo Brillante’ persimmons for over a decade. They focus on providing fruit for long-distance export and have developed an expertise producing premium quality persimmons for discerning buyers in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. Thanks to their relentless focus on perfection through the supply chain, The Natural Hand is now the largest Spanish persimmon exporter to Asia.
What do ‘Rojo Brillante’ Persimmon Taste Like?
‘Rojo Brillante’ persimmon is a sweet variety with notes of vanilla. They combine the delicious flavor of astringent varieties like ‘Hachiya’ with the flexibility of a ‘Fuyu.’
How to Store ‘Rojo Brillante’ Persimmon
For best shelf-life, ‘Rojo Brillante’ persimmon should be stored between 35-38°F. Be sure to store away from any ethylene producing items as ‘Rojo Brillante’ are extremely sensitive to ethylene – exposure can significantly decrease shelf-life.
How to Merchandise ‘Rojo Brillante’ Persimmon
‘Rojo Brillante’ make the perfect gift for Lunar New Year. Available pack sizes include gift boxes but consider making an in-house basket with other seasonal fruit popular for the holiday, like dragon fruit or mandarin.
How to use ‘Rojo Brillante’ Persimmon in Foodservice
‘Rojo Brillante’ persimmon is a unique variety – they undergo a ripening process that allows them to be eaten when firm and crisp or fully soft and ripe, similar to ‘Fuyu.’
This variety is most popularly eaten out-of-hand but are perfect for a salad when crisp. Alternatively, incorporate into elegant and seasonal charcuterie boards.
Where to find JVI Imports’ ‘Rojo Brillante’ Persimmon
There are quite a few varieties of persimmon commercially available – from chocolate, to fuyu, and more. To ensure you receive the ‘Rojo Brillante’ variety for your business needs, consider:
- Contacting JVI Imports directly at 215-336-0766 to place an order
- If you are in the Philadelphia area, visit the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market and find ‘Rojo Brillante’ persimmon in the F-Tower at John Vena Inc.
- Connect with your vendor to set up logistics to receive your first order of ‘Rojo Brillante’ persimmon
