Amlok Persimmon

Pakistani amlok (persimmons of the Diospyrus kaki species) are rounded fruits weighing approximately 175 g each. They are yellow-orange at harvest time, but turn reddish-orange at maturity. Amlok are grown on grafted trees and harvested by hand. One tree produces an average of 180 kg of fruit. When ripe, their pulp is almost liquefied in consistency. Amlok are moderately sweet and bitter with a pleasantly intense aroma. This variety can be consumed either fresh or dried, and once dried they can be preserved for up to a year without losing sensory characteristics. Once picked, the fruits can be stored under regular refrigeration. They can be found for sale in local markets in their fresh and dried forms. This product has been given the name of the valley in which it has been cultivated for several centuries: Amok Dara (‘Valley of the Persimmons’), located 600 – 800 m above sea level. The silty soil and temperate climactic conditions of this area, surrounded by mountains, are ideal for fruit growing. The valley is found in the territory of Barikot (Swat Valley, in northern Pakistan). While commercial production started only in the 1980s, there are historical references to amlok cultivation for personal use since ancient times. Traditional and specific cultivation techniques have been passed down from generation to generation, and persimmon growing is considered part of the cultural heritage of this region.