Jujube Fruit

Jujube is a deciduous shrub and is called Ziziphus zizyphus in Latin. It is mainly cultivated in China and Asia (Indo-Syrian belt). However, its natural spread is unknown due to high volumes of cultivation across the world.

Jujube plant

The plant has shiny green foliage. The leaves have a toothed margin and grow up to 7 centimeters long and 3 inches wide. The base of the leaf has three veins. It has very tiny yellow-green flowers with five petals.

Characteristics of jujube fruit

The fruit of this plant is called Jujube fruit. It is edible in nature. The jujube is oval in shape and up 2 or 3 centimeters in length. When the fruit is not ripe its skin is smooth and green. The unripe fruit tastes like an apple. As the fruit ripens, it turns to bright rust to red shade and then wrinkles. This gives it the appearance of a date. Hence this fruit is also known as Red Date.  The Jujube fruit is also called ‘Chinese Date’. The seed of the fruit is hard and oblong in shape.

Cultivation of the Jujube plant

Jujube plant has been harvested for more than 4000 years for its fruit and medicinal properties. The plant can thrive in a great variety of temperatures and can different levels of rainfall. However, it grows best in the summer months under sufficient watering conditions. Surprisingly, it can survive temperature conditions up to -15 degrees as well which is quite unlike many other plants among the species. This allows the jujube plant to grow in desert conditions where the temperatures of day and night time are so varied. It can survive extreme heat and severe cold weather.

Jujube is the second most cultivated plant in southern Israel region, mostly found around Avara Valley. One particular Jujube tree in this region is said to be over 300 years old.

Culinary uses of jujubes

Freshly plucked jujube fruits and dried and candied jujubes are eaten as snacks or at tea time. These are available in black or red color, the former being smoked for enhancing the flavor. Sweet tea syrup made of jujube fruits is popularly available in Korea, Taiwan and China. Jujube teabags and canned tea is also widely available.

Jujube fruits are also used in the preparation of jujube vinegar. However, this is not common. In some parts of the world, people also drink Jujube juice. This fruit is also used to prepare sweet wines in China. Pickled jujbes can be preserved and stored in Chinese liquor to be kept fresh during winter months. These are called ‘Spirited Jujubes’ or ‘jiu zao’.

Moreover, many Chinese delicacies use stoned jujubes for additional sweetened flavorings. The use of jujubes in Persian cuisine is not unknown either. The dried jujubes are called ‘annab’.

In India, the ripe jujube fruit or ‘bor’ is mostly consumed raw. However, candied version of this fruit is also eaten by pricking and immersing the unripe jujube it in a salt or sugar solution and marinating it for a few weeks. Candied jujubes can last in jars for around 3 months. In southeast Asia, people eat raw unripe jujubes with salt. They are even font of drinking a cold drink made of crushed jujubes and cold water. Jujubes are also sundried and powdered for off-season use in day to day cooking and for preparation of sweet dishes. Sometimes they are also used to prepare chutneys and pickles.

In Africa, these fruits are made to pulp and eaten with cakes. Jujube liquor known as ‘Crema de ponsigue’ is made in Venezuela.

Medicinal uses of jujube fruits

The medicinal properties of jujube fruits have been known for a very long time. Countries like Korea and China use jujube fruits as traditional herbal medicines.

These fruits are considered to have stress alleviating properties. Powdered jujube fruit is used to calm nerves and anxiety. It is a popular stress buster in many parts of the world and also known for its rejuvenating properties.

The fruit is also known to purify blood and de-toxify the system. It is considered good for clearing up skin and for preventing heart problems. Its anti-oxidant properties also help to prevent cancer.

Ziziphin is a compound found in jujube leaves. If ingested, it is believed to suppress the capacity to recognize sweet taste. Known for its soothing properties, decoctions made of jujube fruit are often used to treat sore throats.

The pulp of the fruit can be applied on cuts and wounds as well as ulcers for quick healing. Jujube mixed with chilly peppers and salt is said to cure indigestion and even biliousness. Dried ripe jujube works as a mild laxative as well. Jujube seeds have sedative properties. If taken with buttermilk, they help to prevent nausea and vomiting. During pregnancy, it is known to lessen abdominal pains. They also help to check rheumatism.  

Other uses of jujube

Indian Jujube plant is cultivated to act as a host for the lac producing insects. These insects use the nectar to create reddish-orange resinous lac. Long back, this was used for the purpose of dyeing. Now the shellac is used for lacquer work, as polish or varnish etc. In Burma, jujube fruits are used to dye silk yarns and cloths.