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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. 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 by some people to to calm nerves and
anxiety. It is a popular stress buster in many parts of the world
and also known for its rejuvenating properties. It is considered
good for clearing up skin. Jujube has anti-oxidant properties.
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 help with sore throats.
The pulp of the fruit can be applied on cuts and wounds as well as
ulcers. Jujube mixed with chilly peppers and salt is said to help
with indigestion. Dried ripe jujube works as a mild laxative and may
have sedative properties. If taken with buttermilk this fruit may
help with nausea.
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. |
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