In South Asia, especially in China, there are abundant varieties of Chinese jujube, red jujube. It also grows in Japan, Asia Minor and the Mediterranean, and is the closest to us in Bulgaria. Jujube grows as a lush shrub or tree, about 10 meters high, and is characterized by sticking branches. They are covered by small oval leaves that glow strongly in the sun. In spring, it blooms yellow in a cape of 6 to 12 flowers. Jujube is similar to plum. It is about 5 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. The color of the surface of the fruit is initially light green. At maturity (late August), brown spots appear on the surface, and these spots gradually merge until the fruit is completely brown. Under the skin is green-brown meat with a slightly sweet taste. The center of the fruit is a large pit.
Fruits and seeds are mainly used in Chinese medicine to strengthen the kidneys and relieve stress. In addition, jujube has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immune-stimulating effects, and helps wound healing.
In China, red jujube wine is made from red jujube You can pickle the fruits in a glass filled with Chinese liquor and liqueur, so that they can stay fresh for a long time. Chinese jujube preserved in this way is called Jiu Zao.
