Food Commodities 17

Jujube


Jujube or also known as Chinese date and red date an olive-sized fruit (Zizyphus jujube) with a leathery red, off-white or black skin, yellow flesh and prune-like flavor. the fruit will dry and become wrinkled when left on the vine.


History of Jujube

Though the plant's origin is probably Syria, it was distributed throughout much of the Mediterranean region at least 3,000 years ago and today is most widely grown in China.  It is thought to be native to North Africa and Syria, but moved east through India to China, where it has been cultivated for over 4,000 years. The tree can reach a height of 5-12 m, with shiny-green leaves, and sometimes thorns. The many inconspicuous flowers are small, greenish or white, and produce an olive-sized fruit that is a drupe. 

 Jujube has been a part of Chinese medicine for at least 2,500 years and is mentioned in the Classic of Odes, a 6th century BCE anthology of Chinese poetry. The fruit has a pleasant taste and high nutritional value, and is often used to disguise unpalatable prescriptions. 

 Largely dismissed in the West, Europeans and Asians recognize jujube as a valuable medicinal herb. Gerard, in the 17th century, maintained that the herb was an excellent tonic for all parts of the body, especially the lungs and kidneys. 




Varieties of Jujube


How to Grow Jujube



Jujubes do best in warm, dry climates, but can tolerate winter lows down to -20 F. (-29 C.) Growing jujube trees is not difficult as long as you have sandy, well-drained soil. They are not particular about soil pH but do need to be planted in full sun. The tree can be propagated by seed or root sprout. 


Jujube Tree Care

 A single application of nitrogen prior to the growing season helps with fruit production. Although this hardy tree will tolerate drought, regular water will help with fruit production.
 There are no known pest or disease problems with this tree.

Harvesting Jujube Fruit

 It is extremely easy when it comes times for harvesting jujube fruit. When jujube fruit has turned dark brown, it will be ready to harvest. You can also leave the fruit on the tree until it fully dries. Cut the stem when harvesting rather than pulling the fruit from the vine. Fruit should be firm to the touch. The fruit is best stored between 52 and 55 F. (11-13 C.) in a green fruit bag. 



How to Cook Jujube

 Jujubes are a fruit popular in Chinese medicine and Asian cuisine. It's usually stewed with a sweetener to make candy and used in sweet and savoury dishes or eaten as a snack. And usually to be made as a tea.




Sources @ https://www.mdidea.com/products/new/new03002.html
@ https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/jujube/growing-jujube-trees.htm

Comments