Episode 6 - Fruit Love Letters
The Persimmon - A Sweet Summer Package for Winter Eating
In this episode of Fruit Love Letters, Jessamine Starr chats with:
Laurence Hobin, co-owner of Penryn Orchard Specialties
Tom Wirht and Laura Potts-Wirht, orchard owners in Glennville, Georgia
Persimmons: From Japan to California
Laurence explains the origin of the orchard she maintains with her partner. and her partner’s orchard, originally owned by a man named George Oki
Laurences discusses how the high population of Japanese people and their desire for familiar fruits are the reasons persimmons are largely grown in this California region.
At Penryn Orchard Specialities, what makes their persimmons different from those found in the supermarket is seeds their persimmons contain. Most other orchards prevent the pollination process to create a seedless fruit.
Laurence details the care persimmon fruit and trees require to maintain successful harvests
Learn how to make a traditional Japanese treat, as Laurence explains the dehydration and massaging process to make hoshigaki with hachiya persimmons!
Growing Persimmons in Georgia
Laura shares her and her husband’s start in growing persimmon trees and even though 90% of persimmons in the US are grown in California, they also grow very well in the South.
Tom describes the natural qualities of their land and soil that provide a good home for their trees. The only “downside” is that persimmons don’t grow as large in the South as they do in California.
Laura finds that selling their persimmons at the local markets is the perfect opportunity to educate people on persimmons and its uniqueness.
Laura recounts a full-circle memory picking wild persimmons as a child with her family.
Join Jessamine as she visits Laura and Tom’s orchard!
Guests
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Laurence Hobin
Laurence Hobin is the co-owner of Penryn Orchard Specialties.
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Tom Wirht & Laura Potts-Wirht
Tom Wirht and Laura Potts-Wirht are orchard owners in Glennville, Georgia.