This past weekend, we made a run to the Asian market to stock up on some goods. We decided to check out the HMart in Burlington, Massachusetts for the first time and were pleasantly surprised to find long rows of amazingly fresh produce and a broad assortment of Asian groceries. And as an added bonus, it was probably one of the cleanest Asian markets I've been to (a frequent pet peeve of mine).
Interestingly enough, I came across a french melon of all things. I'd never seen one at a grocery store before so of course I had to buy one. And although it wasn't very fragrant (like the charantais I grow this past summer), the flesh was incredibly sweet and tasty. Despite the fact that it was probably a hybrid variety of some sort, I should have saved some seeds to grow just for fun. Maybe I'll venture back to buy another one.
Finally, we also left the market with some beautiful persimmons in hand. I've been debating whether or not to plant some fruit trees this year simply because I don't foresee that we'll stay in our present home for more than a few years. It would be terribly disappointing to move just when they are about to produce well. If I were to plant one fruit tree this year, it would be a persimmon. Non-astringent type persimmons (like the ones pictured above and my personal preference) are generally only hardy to climate zone 7 and therefore may be challenging to grow here in our zone 6. Stark Bro's sells a variety called "Ichi-Ki-Kei-Jiro", which is supposed to be hardy to zone 6. I think I'll order one this spring and grow it in a pot. I don't how well it will fair grown in a container but at least I'll be able to bring it into say the garage when the weather gets especially frigid and take it with me if we do decide to move. At the very least, it's worth trying.
It is worth trying, I am sure you would be successful. I wish we had room for more fruit trees on our property.
ReplyDeletePersimmons are one of my favorites...thanks to my grandmother. She would always peel and slice them then spritz with a squeeze of lime. It's SO good... Last year I made an addition to the lime...a drizzle of honey! Which, by the way, is a great combination with the melon, as well!
ReplyDeleteI used to live near the HMart. That place is huge. It was fun to just browse and look at everything.
ReplyDeleteFunny how we think alike. I have been eating persimmons and looking at fruit trees online. Also thinking same questions. Decided to wait on persimmon but ordered Gurney's dwarf cherry trees. Thinking maybe growing in pots and doing a Japanese inspired garden. Supposedly they produce 20-30 pounds of cherries by 5th year. However will probably lose some yield if I prune them "bonsai" like.
ReplyDeleteJust a note, I'm pretty sure persimmons are dioecious, at least American ones are. I was given a little sapling when I was in 1st grade, and we planted it and it grew into a nice little tree. Then after...probably 12 years, it flowered and I was able to identify it as a female persimmon tree. But with no male around, it will never produce fruit. I would make sure to look into that before buying.
ReplyDeletethomas, those persimmons don't look real.. lovely specimen.
ReplyDeleteI'll be mailing you your Sadie's Horse Beans after Christmas... don't want them to get lost in the shuffle.
Should I not get to see you before Christmas ;)... many blessings to you, Marc and Jonathan! It has been our pleasure to get to know you this year and share in our bounties.
Hi Thomas, I grow three persimmon trees, fuyu, Nishimura Wase (Coffee Cake) persimmon, and Tsurunoko or Chocolate persimmon. None have yet to produce, but even without fruit they are the most stunning trees I grow--glossy bright leaves, diminutive in size and stellar fall color. I can't wait to get fruit.
ReplyDeleteI think it will do very well in a pot until planted permanently, mine are slow growers and very well mannered. Good Luck!