Term of the Week: Jujube
Little did I know the jujube fruit, also called red date or Chinese date is highly desired by several Asian cultures. The Chinese have long used jujubes to treat anxiety and insomnia. They also invigorate the digestive system and are used to make restorative tea. Who would know this little drupe (the technical name) could have so many faces and taste good too.
The source of my first jujube was a CSA box from the Del Rio Botanical/Peabody Ranch in Sacramento. I recently went back to visit Suzanne, Peabody’s proprietor, who graciously gave a tour of what was popping at the farm. It included jujubes. Three varieties of smallish trees were full of ripe fruit on the down swing. I’m familiar with one green in color that turns rust as it ripens. The skin eventually wrinkles like a date and its flesh gets soft with age. I’d describe the taste similar to a date. It’s not juicy and is like biting into a roasted chestnut with a tad more sweetness.
Suzanne had a wild variety growing with smaller fruit, about the size of a nickel. This one was softer and juicy with a good amount of acid. It’s different from others and you either like it or not.
The big question with jujubes is what you do with them besides eating like a fruit. They’re good sliced in green and rice or other grain type of salads. I could see jujube stuffing in a Thanksgiving turkey. Or jujube confections- pierce them several times then simmer in your favorite flavored simple syrup. The canner part of me says make jujube jam but think I’ll wait until next year.
Jujubes aren’t widely grown and are harder to source. Twin Peaks Orchards from Placer County grows and sells them at the Sunday Sacramento market but you’d better hurry if you want a taste as their season is short and ending soon.
I’ve always heard of the term jujube, but never did I think it would be a fruit. I’d like to try some. Are they all that common in America, and where would you recommend looking?
Edmond,
The jujube fruit isn’t that common in America, however, they are showing up more at farmer’s markets on the west coast where I live. I’ll bet we’ll start seeing more of them due to their health benefits being touted. I understand they tolerate a wide range of temperatures thus can be grown in many places. I’d recommend asking farmers at your local farmer’s market as a starting place. Good luck!
In China, and possibly other Asian countries, the jujubes are typically sold dried. You can find them this way in Asian groceries stores here. They are often used for medicinal properties. I’ve been told that it is a restorative for the blood. They are used in soups (a small handful with other ingredients in a soup) and teas (jujubes, ginger, and water). It wasn’t until living in the states that I’ve had it fresh. It is delicious and when there’s too much to eat, they can be dried. That’s what my mother has done. I’m planning to plant one in my front yard.
Thanks for the information Teresa. When I was living in Vancouver, a Chinese friend gave me a bag of herbal medicinal tea. Little did I know at that time it contained the dried jujubes you speak of!