JUJUBE

COMMON NAME: Jujube

BOTANICAL NAME: Ziziphus Jujuba

CHINESE NAME: Da Zao, Suan Zao Ren

ORIGIN: China, Japan

HABITAT: The birthplace of Jujube is China, and more specifically the area in the lower and middle reaches of the Yellow River. In the wild, Jujube grows in Asia Minor, the Himalayas, the Caucasus and Japan. Ziziphus Jujuba prefers dry mountainsides.

Jujube is cultivated in many countries of the world as a useful drought tolerant plant.

BOTANICAL INFORMATION:

Jujuba (Ziziphus Jujuba) is a species of thorny deciduous shrubs or trees from the genus of flowering plants Ziziphus, belonging to the family of Rhamnaceae. The genus includes about 50 species. Zizyphus is the most famous and widespread, but Ziziphus Mauritiana, African Unabi or Ziziphus lotus and Ziziphus spina-christi are also widely spread.

Trees or prickly deciduous shrubs of Jujube species can reach a height of 10 meters. Trees of this species have a hemispherical openwork crown, shrubs have pyramidal or widespread crown. Jujube bark is thick, dark gray or anthracite black in color. The young representatives of the species have smooth bark, but over time, it becomes covered with cracks. The leathery leaves of the plant are alternate, sessile, have an ovoid shape with serrated edges. They reach a length of 2 to 5 centimeters.

The flowers of Ziziphus Jujuba can be either single or bundled in 3-5 pieces. Jujube blooms profusely, 300 flowers can be counted on one bush.

The fruits of this plant are fleshy edible drupes. They can be ellipsoidal, rounded, pear-shaped or spherical in shape. Wild representatives of the species have smaller fruits, up to 2 centimeters in length; their weight does not exceed 25 grams. In cultivated forms, the fruits are much larger and heavier. They reach a mass of 50 grams and a length of 5 centimeters. The shape and color of the ripened fruit of Jujube can vary significantly among themselves. Their color varies from a light yellowish tint to a rich reddish brown. Depending on the variety, the taste of the ripe fruits of the plant also varies. Most often, the fruits of this exotic plant have a pleasantly sweet and sour taste. At the same time, their fragrance will be enriched with new and amazing notes.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION:

Jujube fruits contain up to 10% tannins, flavonic glycosides and flavonoids, resins, coumarins, organic acids, among which malic, tartaric and succinic acid, folic acid, zisipinic acid are preferred. Vitamin C is the major element in the vitamin-mineral composition of Jujube, but vitamins B1, B2, B5, K, carotenoids, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron are also found in sufficient quantities. Sugars, flavonic glycosides, organic acids, tannins, saponins, mucus, as well as vitamins C, A, B vitamins are found in the leaves. The bark and roots of jujube contain tannins, betulinic acid, as well as trace amounts of alkaloids, coumarins and glycosides.

INTERESTING FACTS:

• The plant was introduced in the middle of the XIX century in the USA.
•  In China, Jujube plantations occupy more than 200,000 hectares and are the third largest after apple and citrus orchards.
• The triterpene glycoside zizipine contained in the leaves is responsible for their ability to modify the taste of food. It temporarily “turns off” the perception of sweet taste, but does not affect the ability to feel bitterness, acid and salt.
• If dried, they will ideally retain all their properties for 2 years.
• Jujube is known for more than 4000 years.
• Ziziphus Jujuba wood was valued no less than the fruit. From ancient times, it has been known for its strength. It is known that in the 4th century AD, when they tried to invent the first helicopter in China, its rotary aviation wing was designed from Jujube wood.
• Fragrant Jujube flowers are also quite popular.

*Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult with your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.