Jujube Dates (红枣), also known as Chinese Red Dates or Hong Zao, is a prized ingredient found in many sweet Eastern dishes.
From being infused in herbal teas to being a centre-piece in delicious sweet treats, here's what makes the Jujube Date a fundamental ingredient in a variety of culinary dishes.
What are Jujube Dates?
Originating in China over 4,000 years ago, Jujube Dates have a crisp red skin with a soft and spongy centre that is sweet and slightly tart.
Due to their growing popularity worldwide, these are now grown in tropical climates throughout the Middle East, northern Africa, and southern Europe.
In terms of size, Jujube Dates can impressively range from the size of an olive to a chicken egg, and the bigger the date, the more juicy the flesh!
Naturally high in vitamins A, B, & C, these dates contain plenty of magnesium, fibre, and calcium, which makes them a particularly nutritious everyday ingredient.
Why are Jujube Dates So Loved?
These crimson delights have earned their place in kitchens and teapots across China for a few good reasons:
- A naturally sweet snack, with no added sugar in sight
- Naturally rich in vitamins, fibre, and minerals
- Traditionally described in Chinese texts as a Qi tonic, one of the classic nourishing foods
- A staple of evening teas, family soups, congee, and sweet treats
- Endlessly versatile, whole, sliced, brewed, or baked
The traditional descriptions are just that, traditions rather than medical claims. If you have a health condition or take regular medication, speak to your GP before adding new herbs to your routine.
How Can I Use These?
These crimson delights are traditionally eaten fresh or can be used in cooking, such as soups, desserts, herbal tea, and traditional preparations.
Jujube dates can be consumed in a variety of forms, with some of these better suited for consumption in cooking.
Big Jujube Dates (whole)
Big in size, big on taste, here are a few ideas of how to use this juicy ingredient:
Simple & Natural (Da Hong Zao)
Eating these in their raw form can make for a natural alternative to that mid-morning chocolate bar you were planning to eat.
With a chewy texture and a sweet, apple-like flavour, these make for a great snack to fill you up for longer.
Just be aware of the stone in the middle of each Jujube Date, as we recommend de-stoning these before tucking in!
A good portion is between 3/4, as these are naturally high in fructose!
Infuse in Herbal Tea (Da Hong Zao)
Combining a trio of Chinese herbs can make for a light and sweet herbal tea, perfect for helping you wind down in the evening.
What you'll need:
- 5g goji berries
- 3/4 big jujube dates (de-stoned)
- 5g ginger root
- 1 tsp honey
- 2 cups of water
Method:
- Boil the 2 cups of water
- Infuse all the herbs in the boiling water, stir gentle and allow to steep for up to 5 minutes (the longer the steep, the fuller the flavour)
- Add the teaspoon of honey to taste for extra sweetness, then stir in once more
- Serve and enjoy!
Sliced & Pitted Jujube Dates
In an easier-to-consume bite-sized form, the alternative version of this date is when sliced and pitted.
With a crispy feel, they are chewy in texture, and just a handful of these beauties is a great alternative snack option to take anywhere with you.
These can also be rehydrated for use as a sweetener in soups, dessert dishes, and more. Just boil them in water for 5-10 minutes and add them to your culinary creation!
Where Can I Buy Jujube Dates?
Whether you're planning a culinary masterclass or a quick snack fix, Jujube Dates are available in the variants below:
Big Jujube Dates 大红枣 (Da Hong Zao) | (1kg)
Dried Jujube Dates 红枣 (Non-Pitted) (Hong Zao) | (500g)
Dried Jujube Dates 红枣 (Pitted & Sliced) (Hong Zao) | (100g)
Summary
Now that you've got some scrumptious ideas of how to use this versatile herb, we're excited to see you impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!
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For any further queries regarding our herbs or any of our products, please email info@vitaherbalnutrition.com and we'll be happy to help.