An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but a persimmon can help you stay sober.

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.

Qld Primary Industries Minister, Tim Mulherin, said international scientists, food experts and fruit growers from Asia, New Zealand, Queensland and interstate will meet tomorrow at 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.

"The 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 10 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."
SOURCE: Queensland County Life weekly newspaper, updated daily on FarmOnline.