Full Answer
What is a jujube fruit?
Jujube fruit ( Ziziphus jujuba) is also known as the Chinese date, jujube, or red date. The plant is native to China and has been grown in the US for more than 175 years. The jujube fruit ranges in shape from round to pear-shaped. It may be as small as a cherry or as big as a plum. It has a thin, edible skin and whitish flesh.
What is a Juju berry tree?
A jujube tree (Ziziphus jujube) is sometimes referred to as a juju berry tree, which is a slang term for the tree. The jujube tree belongs to the Rhamnaceae family and is sometimes called a Chinese date tree. It is a small, deciduous tree that produces a cherry- to plum-size edible fruit, hence the words "berry" and "date."
What are the health benefits of jujube?
Jujube may boost immunity and fight the growth of cancer cells. One test-tube study noted that jujube polysaccharides, which are natural sugars with antioxidant properties, may fend off free radicals, neutralize harmful cells, and decrease inflammation ( 15 ).
What is jujube tea made of?
Both China and Korea produce a sweetened tea syrup containing jujube fruit in glass jars, and canned jujube tea or jujube tea in the form of teabags. To a lesser extent, jujube fruit is made into juice and jujube vinegar (called 枣 醋 or 红枣 醋 in Chinese).
Why you should avoid eating goji berries?
Allergic Responses To The Goji Berry — Lectins are one of the single worst things we can put into our bodies, and that's because they are powerful toxic allergens found in many foods including the goji berry. Lectins can disrupt the immune system and prevent your body from healing itself.
What is goji berries good for?
Goji berries are rich in vitamins A and C, which naturally improve immunity and protect the body from illness. Studies have shown that goji berry juice and supplements may increase levels of immune cells, improve immune function response, and promote a general feeling of well-being in older individuals.
What does a goji berry taste like?
Dried goji berries have a distinct flavor reminiscent of a cranberry or a sour cherry. You can cook with dried goji berries in both sweet and savory recipes. The easiest way to get started is to use dried goji berries the way you would use raisins.
What are the goji berries side effects?
Fresh and dry goji berries do not usually cause any side effects or adverse reactions in healthy people. Goji berry supplements have been shown to be safe for most people when consumed for up to 3 months, with only rare side effects, such as allergic reactions and sensitivity to sunlight.
Who should not eat goji berries?
Goji berries contain betaine (9). Betaine could also be used to induce menstruation and abortion. The berries also have an estrogen-mimicking effect. Hence, they must not be used by pregnant or lactating women or anyone with diseases sensitive to estrogen (10).
How do you eat goji berries?
How to Consume Goji BerriesEat them raw. You can buy fresh goji berries in some whole-foods stores, or in a sun-dried form, similar to raisins.Add them to a trail mix. Replace the dried fruit in your trail mix with dried goji berries. ... Juice the goji berries. ... Mix them with your baked goods. ... Plump up your goji berries.
Can you eat goji berries raw?
Goji berries, which some brand a “superfood,” are eaten raw, cooked, or dried (like raisins) and are used in herbal teas, juices, wines, and medicines.
Are goji berries healthy?
If you're looking for a new nutritious food to add to your diet, goji berries may be a good source. Packed with vitamins and minerals and a dense protein value, they may help increase your overall well-being. Plus, they can provide a welcome change from the other fruits or berries you regularly eat.
Is goji berry a tomato?
Indigenous to Asia, goji berries grow on vines and look a bit like tiny grape tomatoes; like tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplant, they belong to the nightshade family.
Which berry is the healthiest?
A: Blueberries are overall, the most nutritional berry. They are much more nutrient-dense than blackberries and are contain a greater number of antioxidants as well as key vitamins and minerals.
Do goji berries make you lose weight?
Goji berries have long been associated with weight loss, in part due to their status as a superfood, but also because of their unique nutritional composition that helps to promote the burning of fat, and the production of lean muscle.
What happens if you eat too many goji berries?
If for whatever reason, you do find yourself consuming a whole large bag of goji berries in one sitting, then some of the potential side effects include gas, bloating, diarrhea, and difficulty sleeping.
What is the difference between dried and fresh Jujube?
Fresh fruits have smooth, red skin, with a crisp texture and applelike flavor, while dried fruits have a spongy texture and a datelike flavor. They contain high amounts of vitamin C. Like dates, jujube fruits have a hard stone in the center that must be removed prior to eating.
What is the best soil for jujube trees?
Jujube trees do best in a well-draining, sandy soil, though they will grow in less than ideal soils such as salty, alkaline or poorly draining soils . Mature jujubes have a good tolerance of drought, though regular watering will maintain better tree health.
Do jujubes need fertilizer?
Jujubes are rarely bothered by pests or diseases and will generally do just fine without regular fertilization. On established trees, growth can be encouraged with an occasional dose of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Pruning is not necessary, though cutting the tree back hard in the winter can help the tree to produce more fruits in the spring. Fruit drop may cause a mess and need to be cleaned up to keep the tree looking tidy.
What is a jujube?
Ziziphus jujuba, commonly called jujube ( / ˈdʒuːdʒuːb /; sometimes jujuba), red date, Chinese date, Chinese jujube is a species in the genus of Ziziphus (some of whose other species are also sometimes referred to as jujube ), in the buckthorn family ( Rhamnaceae ).
What is Jujube fruit?
To a lesser extent, jujube fruit is made into juice and jujube vinegar (called 枣 醋 or 红枣 醋 in Chinese). They are used for making pickles (কুলের আচার) in west Bengal and Bangladesh. In Assam it is known as "Bogori" and is famous for Bogori aachar (বগৰি আচাৰ).
What is the fruit used in Kampo?
Ziziphin, a compound in the leaves of the jujube, suppresses the ability to perceive sweet taste. Jujube fruit is also combined with other herbs to treat colds and influenza.
What is the disease that eats Jujubes?
In Europe, the last several years have seen some 80%–90% of the jujube crop eaten by insect larvae (see picture), including those of the false codling moth, Thaumatotibia (Cryptophlebia) leucotreta.
What is dried fruit used for?
The dried fruit is used in desserts in China and Vietnam, such as ching bo leung, a cold beverage that includes the dried jujube, longan, fresh seaweed, barley, and lotus seeds. In Korea, jujubes are called daechu (대추) and are used in daechucha teas and samgyetang .
What is the name of the dried drupes in Persian cuisine?
In Persian cuisine, the dried drupes are known as annab, while in neighboring Azerbaijan, it is commonly eaten as a snack, and is known as innab. Confusion in the common name apparently is widespread. The innab is Z. jujuba: the local name ber is not used for innab.
Where is Jujube honey made?
A jujube honey is produced in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Italy has an alcoholic syrup called brodo di giuggiole. In Senegal and The Gambia, Jujube is called Sii dem or Ceedem, and the fruit is used as snack and also turned into a dried paste favoured as a sweetmeat by schoolchildren.
How tall is a Jujube tree?
The tree is deciduous and is grown as an ornamental fruiting tree that can reach 30–40 feet tall (grown on a standard root stock). Mature trees can produce between 40–100 pounds of fruit per season.
What is the best way to grow Jujube trees?
Growing Conditions. Soil –jujube trees can grow in a wide range of soil types and pH ranges, but good drainage is required. Water –once the trees are established, they can be very drought tolerant, but for good yields, trees should be watered.
Can you substitute jujubes for apples?
How to Enjoy Jujube Fruit. Fresh –jujubes can be a substitute for apples in recipes. Add to salads, or eaten as a snack. Dried –when picked dried (best variety for this is the Lang), jujubes can be added to recipes that call for dates or raisins, or add to your favorite trail mix recipe.
Is Jujube tea healthy?
Jujube Tea is very easy to make and here is a site with the recipe, along with some interesting information about the health benefits of jujube fruit. Nutritionally jujubes are high in vitamin C, flavonoids and other components that are beneficial.
What is a Jujube tree?
A jujube tree (Ziziphus jujube) is sometimes referred to as a juju berry tree, which is a slang term for the tree. The jujube tree belongs to the Rhamnaceae family and is sometimes called a Chinese date tree. It is a small, deciduous tree that produces a cherry- to plum-size edible fruit, hence the words "berry" and "date.".
How big are Jujube leaves?
The leaves of the jujube tree are small, are ovate or oval and measure 1 to 2 inches long. They are a shiny, bright green. On the base of each leaf are two spines, which are either hooked or shaped like long daggers. Some cultivars are nearly thornless.
How do Jujube trees grow?
The jujube grows well in different climates. It withstands a range of temperatures and is heat tolerant. A lack of summer heat and sun may limit fruit production, so avoid planting them in the shade of other trees. The jujube tree is dormant in winter, allowing it to withstand temperatures to about negative 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Jujubes tolerate many types of soils, even those with high salinity or alkalinity. Still, they grow best in sandy, well-drained soils and do not do as well in heavy, water-logged soils. Jujube trees can be grown in a large containers but are not particular suited for container culture.
When do Jujubes ripen?
The fruit on some cultivars ripen as early as October, with others ripening from mid-February to the end of April. Depending on the cultivar, the fruit ranges from cherry size to plum size and varies in shape from round to elongated.
Can jujube trees grow in containers?
Still, they grow best in sandy, well-drained soils and do not do as well in heavy, water-logged soils. Jujube trees can be grown in a large containers but are not particular suited for container culture. Advertisement.
Is Jujube a dormant tree?
A lack of summer heat and sun may limit fruit production, so avoid planting them in the shade of other trees. The jujube tree is dormant in winter, allowing it to withstand temperatures to about negative 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
How big do jujube trees get?
What is a Jujube Tree? Jujube ( Ziziphus jujube ), also known as the Chinese date, is native to China. This medium-sized tree can grow up to 40 feet (12 m.) and has glossy green, deciduous leaves with light gray bark. The oval-shaped, single-stoned fruit is green to start with and becomes dark brown over time.
When is Jujube fruit ready to harvest?
It is extremely easy when it comes time 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.
Can jujube trees grow in the winter?
Jujubes do best in warm, dry climates, but can tolerate winter lows down to -20 degrees 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.
What color are jujubes?
Young jujubes are light green. As they ripen, they will turn yellow. Sometimes, reddish-brown spots may appear on the skin. Once fully ripe, jujubes will be reddish-brown in color, soft, and wrinkly. If you plan on eating jujubes fresh, buy them just before they turn red, soft, and wrinkly.
What does jujube taste like?
Jujubes are a fruit popular in Chinese medicine and Asian cuisine. Before fully ripe, jujubes taste very much like apples. Once they are ripe and dry, they taste more like dates. Because of this, you can cook jujubes like dates or apples in the kitchen.
What are some good recipes for jujubes?
Here are some other tasty jujube pairings to give you ideas: Sautee jujubes with some bell pepper, eggplant, greens, onion, or summer squash. Pair it with kale, diced onion, some olive oil, and a dash of salt and pepper.
How to make jujubes at room temperature?
Let them cool, then cover and chill them in the fridge overnight. Let the mixture reach room temperature first. Cover the saucepan with a lid, then store it in the fridge overnight. Reheat the jujubes. Place the saucepan on the stove and remove the lid. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium to medium-high heat.
How long do you let jujubes dry?
7. Dry the jujubes in a warm oven. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the baking sheets into the oven, and let the jujubes dry for 2 to 5 hours. Every so often, turn them over so that the other side dries. They are ready when they are dry like dates. ...
How long to cook jujubes?
Let them cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Ever so often, give the mixture a stir. Let them cool, then cover and chill them in the fridge overnight. Let the mixture reach room temperature first. Cover the saucepan with a lid, then store it in the fridge overnight. Reheat the jujubes.
Can you use jujubes instead of apples?
Before they ripen and take on a date-like appearance, jujubes taste very much like apples. If your recipe calls for apples, you can easily substitute a jujube instead. You can even make them into a jujube version of apple butter!

Overview
Cultivation and uses
Jujube was domesticated in South Asia by 9000 BC. Over 400 cultivars have been selected.
The tree tolerates a wide range of temperatures and rainfall, though it requires hot summers and sufficient water for acceptable fruiting. Unlike most of the other species in the genus, it tolerates fairly cold winters, surviving temperatur…
Distribution
Its precise natural distribution is uncertain due to extensive cultivation, but its origin is thought to be in southern Asia, between Lebanon, northern India, and southern and central China, and possibly also southeastern Europe though more likely introduced there. The plant in Arabic and Persian is known as "Enab (عناب)", and is known as the "hinap" or "finab" in the eastern part of Bulgaria. It grows wild but is also a garden shrub, kept for its fruit. The fruit is picked in the autu…
Nomenclature
The ultimate source of the name is Ancient Greek ζίζυφον zízyphon. This was borrowed into Classical Latin as zizyphum (used for the fruit) and zizyphus (the tree). A descendant of the Latin word into a Romance language, which may have been French jujube or medieval Latin jujuba, in turn gave rise to the common English jujube. This name is not related to jojoba, which is a loan from Spanish jojoba, itself borrowed from hohohwi, the name of that plant in a Native American l…
Cultural and religious references
In Arabic-speaking regions the jujube and alternatively the species Z. lotus are closely related to the lote-trees (sing. "سدرة sidrah", pl. " سدر sidr") which are mentioned in the Quran, while in Palestine it is rather the species Z. spina-christi that is called sidr.
An ancient jujube tree in the city Al-Qurnah, Iraq, is claimed by locals as the Tree of Knowledge mentioned in the Bible. Local tradition holds that the place where the city was built was the origi…
Pharmacology
Leaves contain saponin and Ziziphin, which suppresses the ability to perceive sweet taste.
Flavinoids found in the fruits include Kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside, Quercetine 3-O-robinobioside, Quercetine 3-O-rutinoside. Terpenoids such as colubrinic acid and alphitolic acid were found in the fruits.
See also
• Date palm – Palm tree cultivated for its edible sweet fruit
• Jujube (confectionery) – Type of candy
• Ziziphus mauritiana
External links
• Nutritional data for the jujube