Jujubes (pronounced joo-joob) may not be the most familiar fruit at the farmers market, but these small stone fruits have been treasured in Asia for thousands of years. Sometimes called “red dates” or “Chinese dates,” jujubes are prized for their versatility and rich nutritional value. Fresh jujubes are an excellent source of vitamin C and also provide potassium, making them both a tasty and nutrient-rich seasonal treat.
Fresh jujubes are about the size of small dates, with a spongy texture and a flavor that ranges from mildly sweet-tart to delicately apple-like. As they mature, the skin darkens from greenish-yellow to maroon and eventually deep purplish black, becoming wrinkled and date-like in appearance. Despite their thick skins, they are entirely edible—though some prefer to peel them when eating fresh.
How to Enjoy Jujubes
Jujubes have a natural affinity for almonds, brown sugar, chocolate, coconut, cream cheese, honey, orange, pistachios, and walnuts, making them easy to incorporate into both sweet and savory recipes.
- Fresh – eaten out of hand, added to salads, or paired with nuts and cheese.
- Dried – used like dates or raisins in baked goods such as muffins, scones, or quick breads.
- Cooked or preserved – simmered into compotes, jams, or syrups.
- In teas and tonics – a traditional preparation in many Asian cuisines, where dried jujubes are simmered with spices and fruit for a warming drink.
At our farmers’ markets, jujubes from KT Farms arrive in late summer to early fall. Look for smooth-skinned fruits in shades of pale green to yellowish-red. Wrinkled fruit indicates maturity and a sweeter, date-like flavor.
How to Select and Store Jujubes
- Choose jujubes that are unblemished, heavy for their size, and firm to the touch. Wrinkled jujubes are sweeter and date-like.
- Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh for several weeks.
Whether eaten fresh, baked into a cake, or brewed into a fragrant tea, jujubes bring a touch of sweetness and tradition to the autumn harvest season. Look for KT Farms’ fresh jujubes at the market this fall and discover why this fruit has been cherished across cultures for centuries.
VIDEO: How to Dehydrate Jujubes
RECIPES: Click here for jujube recipes
