Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) KOROLIOK

Persimmon / Kaki 'Koroliok'

A popular PVNA-type persimmon with a unique trait—pollinated fruits develop a delicious chocolate-brown flesh that is sweet and edible while still firm.

Persimmon 'Koroliok' (Autumn variety)

'Koroliok' (often transliterated as Korolyok) belongs to a distinct group of Japanese persimmons (Diospyros kaki) that is immensely popular across Eastern Europe. It stands out for its fascinating biological trait of dramatically altering fruit color, texture, and flavor depending on pollination.

Key advantages of the variety:

• Unique PVNA type (Pollination Variant Non-Astringent): The fruit characteristics change dramatically depending on whether pollination has occurred.
• "Chocolate" fruit upon pollination: Pollinated fruits containing seeds develop dark brown to chocolate-colored flesh and are deliciously sweet and crunchy while still firm.
• Exceptional dessert flavor: Pollinated 'Koroliok' persimmons are regarded as some of the tastiest and sweetest persimmon fruits in the world.
• Cold tolerance: Reliably withstands winter conditions when planted in suitable, sheltered microclimates.

Fruit Characteristics & Pollination Dynamics

• When pollinated (seeded fruit): The flesh is dark brown to chocolate-colored (hence the nickname "Chocolate Persimmon"). Fruits are non-astringent, richly sweet, and edible even while hard and crisp.
• Without pollination (seedless fruit): Fruits remain bright orange with pale flesh and are astringent (tart) until they soften completely into a soft, jelly-like consistency.
• Size and shape: Medium-sized fruit, typically spherical or slightly oblate.
• Utility: Outstanding for fresh consumption, dehydrating/drying, and gourmet dessert recipes.

Cultivation and Winter Hardiness

• Hardiness: Relatively cold-hardy, tolerating winter temperatures between -15 °C and -18 °C.
• Site selection: Requires a warm, sheltered, and very sunny location (such as against a heat-retaining south-facing wall) to ensure proper ripening and winter protection in temperate zones.