AN APPLE A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY BUT A PERSIMMON CAN HELP YOU STAY SOBER
Published Wednesday, 18 July, 2007 at 12:15 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Korean research which shows that eating persimmon fruit may be a hangover cure, will be one of the more unusual scientific issues discussed at a major conference starting tomorrow on the Sunshine Coast.
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said international scientists, food experts and fruit growers from Asia, New Zealand, Queensland and interstate will meet tomorrow in Marcoola on the Sunshine coast, to discuss the Australian persimmon and custard apple industries.
“Some of the fascinating research to be discussed at tomorrow’s conference relates to the long-held belief in Asian countries that the persimmon fruit helps drinkers remain alert for longer, with the fruit slowing down the body’s absorption of alcohol,” Mr Mulherin said.
“We’re always looking for new scientific discoveries from our friends in other countries, in fact Koreans are experts in the area with persimmons being a major consumer item for them, as well as for China and Japan.
“Not many people know that the persimmon is in the top ten of fruits grown around the world. It’s so popular in Korea that they produce around 300,000 tonnes per year and export dried persimmon products throughout Asia.”
Mr Mulherin said that while not many people were aware of the significance of the custard apple and persimmon industries in Queensland they were an important primary industry for the State.
“Ninety five percent of Australian persimmons are based on Japanese sweet persimmon varieties that have little or no tannin and can be eaten like an apple, or if preferred when soft,” he said.
“Persimmons grow all over Australia and the industry is worth $15 million to the country and $7 million to Queensland alone. The custard apple industry is worth $10-12 million in Australia.
“Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries staff are working on a three year project funded by the persimmon industry and by Horticulture Australia Ltd. called ‘Development of the Australian Sweet Persimmon Industry’ that focuses on the soft-fruit problem, better crop management and pest controls.”
Australian Custard Apple Growers Association secretary Patty Stacey said this would be the first combined conference from the ACAGA and the Persimmon Industry Association.
“The conference will address Research, Development and Extension consumer attitudes and marketing techniques, workforce issues, the health and medical aspects of fruits, industry initiatives and strengthening export markets,” Mrs Stacey said.
“Many custard apple and persimmon growers remain in the industry for the ‘lifestyle’ choices they offer. This conference is a means to ensure they remain not only up to date but run profitable enterprises through adopting the latest research and growing techniques.”
The custard apple and persimmon conference ‘Growing For Love or Money’
is being sponsored by Horticulture Australia Ltd, DPI&F and Birdwood Nursery and will be held at Surfair, Marcoola beach on the Sunshine coast from 19-21 July 2007.
The program includes field visits on Saturday to two farms growing custard apples or persimmons. The bus will take the tourist route through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and there will be lunch at a picturesque spot between farms.
Media: 323 96530
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said international scientists, food experts and fruit growers from Asia, New Zealand, Queensland and interstate will meet tomorrow in Marcoola on the Sunshine coast, to discuss the Australian persimmon and custard apple industries.
“Some of the fascinating research to be discussed at tomorrow’s conference relates to the long-held belief in Asian countries that the persimmon fruit helps drinkers remain alert for longer, with the fruit slowing down the body’s absorption of alcohol,” Mr Mulherin said.
“We’re always looking for new scientific discoveries from our friends in other countries, in fact Koreans are experts in the area with persimmons being a major consumer item for them, as well as for China and Japan.
“Not many people know that the persimmon is in the top ten of fruits grown around the world. It’s so popular in Korea that they produce around 300,000 tonnes per year and export dried persimmon products throughout Asia.”
Mr Mulherin said that while not many people were aware of the significance of the custard apple and persimmon industries in Queensland they were an important primary industry for the State.
“Ninety five percent of Australian persimmons are based on Japanese sweet persimmon varieties that have little or no tannin and can be eaten like an apple, or if preferred when soft,” he said.
“Persimmons grow all over Australia and the industry is worth $15 million to the country and $7 million to Queensland alone. The custard apple industry is worth $10-12 million in Australia.
“Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries staff are working on a three year project funded by the persimmon industry and by Horticulture Australia Ltd. called ‘Development of the Australian Sweet Persimmon Industry’ that focuses on the soft-fruit problem, better crop management and pest controls.”
Australian Custard Apple Growers Association secretary Patty Stacey said this would be the first combined conference from the ACAGA and the Persimmon Industry Association.
“The conference will address Research, Development and Extension consumer attitudes and marketing techniques, workforce issues, the health and medical aspects of fruits, industry initiatives and strengthening export markets,” Mrs Stacey said.
“Many custard apple and persimmon growers remain in the industry for the ‘lifestyle’ choices they offer. This conference is a means to ensure they remain not only up to date but run profitable enterprises through adopting the latest research and growing techniques.”
The custard apple and persimmon conference ‘Growing For Love or Money’
is being sponsored by Horticulture Australia Ltd, DPI&F and Birdwood Nursery and will be held at Surfair, Marcoola beach on the Sunshine coast from 19-21 July 2007.
The program includes field visits on Saturday to two farms growing custard apples or persimmons. The bus will take the tourist route through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and there will be lunch at a picturesque spot between farms.
Media: 323 96530