JUJUB

Iz-Zinzell

Ziziphus jujuba Mill.

Rhamnaceae

Related Specie: Indian Jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana).
Distant Affinity: Purple Haw (Colubrina texensis), Raisin Tree (Hovenia dulcis).
Origin: The jujube originated in China where they have been cultivated for more than 4,000 years and where there are over 400 cultivars. The plants traveled beyond Asia centuries ago and today are grown to some extent in Russia, northern Africa, southern Europe, the Middle East and the southwestern United States. Jujube seedlings, inferior to the Chinese cultivars, were introduced into Europe at the beginning of the Christian era and carried to the U. S. in 1837. It wasn't until 1908 that improved Chinese selections were introduced by the USDA.
Adaptation: The jujube can withstand a wide range of temperatures; virtually no temperature seems to be too high in summertime. Winter dormancy allows it to withstand temperatures to about -28° F, yet it requires only a small amount of winter chill in order for it to set fruit. The plant revels in summer sun and heat, with the lack of either limiting fruit production more than winter cold. Yet jujubes have fruited in the Puget Sound and low Cascade regions of Washington State as well as in Pennsylvania. Fruiting of some cultivars has also been reported in northern Florida.The Indian jujube, which is more sensitive to frost, is grown in Florida, but the fruit is considered inferior. Jujube trees are not particularly suitable for container culture, but can be grown in this manner in a large container.

DESCRIPTION

Foliage: The small, ovate or oval leaves are 1-2 inches long and a shiny bright green. In the autumn, the leaves turn bright yellow before falling. There are usually two spines at the base of each leaf. Some spines may be hooked while others are long daggers. Virtually thornless cultivars are known. As the growing season commences, each node of a woody branch produces one to ten branchlets. Most of these are deciduous, falling from the plant in autumn.
Flowers: The inconspicuous, 1/5 inch diameter, white to greenish-yellow flowers are somewhat fragrant and produced in large numbers in the leaf axils. The flowering period extends over several months from late spring into summer. However, individual flowers are receptive to pollen for only one day or less. Pollination needs of the jujube are not clearly defined, but appear to be done by ants or other insects and possibly by the wind. Most jujube cultivars produce fruit without cross-pollination . The jujube is well protected from late spring frosts by delayed budding until all chance of cold weather has passed.
Fruit: The fruit is a drupe, varying from round to elongate and from cherry-size to plum-size depending on cultivar. It has a thin, edible skin surrounding whitish flesh of sweet, agreeable flavor. The single hard stone contains two seeds. The immature fruit is green in color, but as it ripens it goes through a yellow-green stage with mahogany-colored spots appearing on the skin as the fruit ripens further. The fully mature fruit is entirely red. Shortly after becoming fully red, the fruit begins to soften and wrinkle. The fruit can be eaten after it becomes wrinkled, but most people prefer them during the interval between the yellow-green stage and the full red stage. At this stage the flesh is crisp and sweet, reminiscent of an apple. Under dry conditions jujubes lose moisture, shrivel and become spongy inside. Tests in Russia indicate a very high vitamin C content. The fruit has been used medicinally for millennia by many cultures. One of its most popular uses is as a tea for sore throat

CULTURE

Soils: Jujubes tolerate many types of soils, but prefer a sandy, well-drained soils and do less well in heavy, poorly drained soil. They are able to grow in soils with high salinity or high alkalinity.
Irrigation: One of the outstanding qualities of the jujube tree are its tolerance of drought conditions. Regular watering, though, is important to assure a quality fruit crop.
Fertilization: Fertilizer requirements have not been studied, but jujubes appear to do well with little or no fertilization. Light broadcast applications of a balanced fertilizer such as 8-8-8 NPK at two-month intervals during the growing season would probably speed growth. Do not fertilize until the newly planted tree has several months to get established.
Pruning: Unpruned trees produce as well as trees that have been pruned. Extensive winter pruning, however, will keep the plants in better health and produce more easily obtainable fruit.
Propagation: Most Chinese cultivars in the U.S. are grafted or budded onto a thorny rootstalk which produces many suckers from the roots. There is evidence that jujube cultivars will root on hard or soft wood cuttings. However, successes have been limited to date with this process of plant reproduction. Jujubes also can be propagated from seed, although they do not come true. Most jujube cultivars produce fruit without cross-pollination, but seeds from such self-pollination are usually not viable (such as from the Li or Lang cultivars)
Jujubes should be set out 10 to 15 feet apart since they require high light intensities for good production. Upon setting out new, bare root trees, top the plant to 3 or 4 feet and remove all side branches to leave only a whip. New, stronger branches will emerge from each bud just below the point where the old branches were pruned.
Pests and diseases: The Chinese jujube appears to have no serious disease, insect, or nematode pests in the U.S., hence, no spraying is necessary. Only the pocket gopher has shown a liking for the roots. One disease, witches broom, is prevalent in China and Korea and could be destructive to a new industry if allowed to enter into non-endemic areas.
Harvest: The crop ripens non-simultaneously, and fruit can be picked for several weeks from a single tree. If picked green, jujubes will not ripen. Ripe fruits may be stored at room temperature for about a week.The fruit may be eaten fresh, dried or candied. Fresh fruit is much prized by certain cultures and is easily sold in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Indian markets. Tree dried fruit stores indefinitely and may have good marketing potential as it dries on the tree without the use of a sulfur preservative.

SELECTED RECIPES

Jujube Cake

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups dried, minced jujube
• 1 cup water

• 2 cups wheat flour
• 1 teaspoonful soda
• 1/2 teaspoonful salt

Candied Jujubes

The next day bring syrup and jujubes to a boil and simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes. With a slotted spoon lift jujubes from syrup and place slightly apart on rimmed pans. Dry in oven, or in sun for about 2 to 3 days. Check fruit frequently and turn fruit occasionally until the jujubes are like the dates ones sees in the market.

Jujube Syrup

Other uses: Substitute the dried jujube wherever recipes call for raisins or dates. Dried jujubes are a wonderful snack that can be prepared without the use of any preservative as is so commonly needed for other dried fruits.

CULTIVARS

JUJUBE FRUIT BENEFITS

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Jujube fruit benefits are well known since ancient times. Jujube fruit is used as herbal medicine for thousands of years in China and other Asian countries. As this fruit is highly nutritious and packed with various vitamins and minerals, it helps in the formation and maintenance of the blood stream, body hormones, bones, muscles, skin, hair, body enzymes and neurotransmitters.
Jujube fruit has potent health benefits. It has calming properties and is a good source of natural antioxidants.
Consumption and dosage of the jujube fruit entirely depends on the severity of the medical condition which is being treated. However, 10 gm to 30 gm is the ideal amount of jujube fruit extract which must be consumed by the patient.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF JUJUBE

Jujube fruit benefits are mainly offered by the nutrients present in it.
1. The unripe fruit increases thirst, lessens expectoration and biliousness.
2. Because of mucilaginous property of the fruit, it acts as herbal medicine to treat sore throat.
3. As this fruit is high in vitamin A, C and potassium, it strengthens the immune system of the body. Thus it helps in prevention of common colds and cough.
4. It helps in the formation and maintenance of the blood stream, body hormones, bones, muscles, skin, hair, body enzymes and neurotransmitters.
5. It is also loaded with 18 out of the 24 important amino acids. It helps in the formation of more than 50,000 proteins of the body. All this, actually triggers the wound healing process.
6. It has soothing effect on the nervous system and acts as a natural sedative.
7. It relieves stress and anxiety.
8. Jujube fruit helps lower blood pressure.
9. Jujube fruit boosts your immune system.
10. Jujube helps cure some of the liver diseases. It is found that the jujube offers protection against liver injury by acting as an antioxidant.
11. Jujube fruit is used to treat anemia and purpura.
12. It has anti-oxidant properties. So it helps in delaying the process of skin aging.
13. One of the most important jujube fruit benefits is that it inhibits the growth and movement of free radicals. Vitamin C is a good antioxidant and helps to control the growth of the tumor causing cells and cells that can lead to cancers.
14. The berries are blood purifier and an aid to digestion.
15. The ripe fruit is sweet, sour, and has flavor, not good for digestion; causes diarrhea in large doses.
16. When jujube extract is combined with certain herbs like ginger, licorice, and mint, it soothes achy throat muscles.
17. The jujube extract is useful in control of cold and flu (fever).
18. It has anti-carcinogenic properties.
19. According to the recent study, water extract of the jujube fruit was found effective for inhibiting the tumor causing cells and cells that can lead to leukemia.
20. Jujube extracts are also used to manufacture skin care products to reduce wrinkles, dryness, redness, swelling and for relief from sunburn.


Other jujube fruit benefits –
Other uses of this fruit includes:

21. The dried ripe fruit is a mild laxative and expectorant.

22. The fruit seed is astringent; tonic to the heart and brain; allays thirst.

23. The seed is an aid to digestion.

24. The alkaloids and other chemicals present in the jujube seed can help you get rid of anxiety and provide antioxidant protection to cells.

25. The seeds are also reported to have a sedative effect and recommended as a soporific.

26. An ointment made of the seeds with some bland oil is locally used as a liniment in rheumatism.

27. The plant is considered to have anti tubercular properties.

28. They are also prescribed to stop nausea and vomiting and for relief from abdominal pain in pregnancy.

29. They are also given as an antidote to aconite poisoning, and used in poultices and other applications for wounds.

30. The seeds are also used for the treatment of diarrhea.

31. For its fresh and sweet smell, many people like keeping jujube leaves and flowers in their houses in order to keep the bugs and other insects away.

32. Jujube fruits are also found useful in the treatment of itching, which is caused by several skin disorders, hysteria.

33. It acts as energy booster in cases of fatigue, loss of energy and lack of appetite.

So, incorporate this low calorie fruit in your diet and reap several of jujube fruit benefits.

NOTE –

Jujube Fruit Side Effects –

There are no known side effects of jujube fruit.

But it is better to consult your physician before eating jujube fruit if you are suffering from

• bloating,

• intestinal parasites and/or

• excessive phlegm

If you are pregnant or lactating and breast feeding your baby, you should consult your physician.


Topic updated : 18.10.2012
 

5 Medicinal Benefits of the Jujube Fruit

 

Jujube
Zinzel
Ziziphus zizyphus