Jujube fruits, also known as Chinese dates, are renowned for their high nutritional value, health benefits, and excellent flavor. Fresh jujube fruits are notoriously fickle and difficult to find with dried varieties being the norm. These fruits start green and become a burnished rust-red when ripe. Fresh jujube fruits have a refreshing melon-like flavor with the texture of a soft pear or apple. Winter jujube fruits are significantly sweeter than their early season counterparts with a richer, creamier texture.
Uses: Jujubes can be eaten green but should be left to ripen until the skin becomes uniformly rusty in color for optimal sweetness and flavor. Simmer jujube fruit in water with sugar and spices until completely soft to make a flavorful cider.