If you’re not familiar with jujube, or if you’re looking for new ways to use this versatile fruit, you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll explore the different varieties of jujube and the best ways to use them in cooking and baking. We’ll also delve into the world of dried jujube, which is a popular ingredient in teas, snacks, and desserts. So whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious foodie, read on to discover what to do with jujube and how to use dried jujube in delicious and creative ways.
What You'll Learn Today
What Can You Do With Jujube Fruit?
Jujubes are naturally sweet and tangy and can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or cooked. Here are some ways you can use jujube fruits:
Eat them fresh
Picked straight off the tree or bought in a store, Jujube fruits make a delicious and healthy snack. They have a crunchy texture and a sweet flavor that some people say resembles apples.
Dry them
Jujube fruits can also be dried, which concentrates their sweetness and makes them easier to store. Once dried, they can be eaten as a snack or used in cooking.
If you have your own jujube trees, then there’s no need to pick them before drying, as providing there is still plenty of sun, they will dry naturally right on the tree.
Make tea
Tea made from dried jujube fruit is a popular beverage in many parts of the world, and it’s believed to have various health benefits.
To make jujube tea, simply steep the dried fruits in hot water for several minutes, then strain and enjoy.
In this video, see how to make delicious and nutritious jujube tea:
Use them in cooking
There are plenty of things you can use Jujube fruits for in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. Here’s a few ideas:
- Jujube jam: Combine fresh jujube fruits with sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan, then simmer until thickened. This jam can be used as a spread on toast or as a filling for pastries.
- Jujube chicken: Cut a chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and marinate in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and jujube syrup. Stir-fry with jujube slices and vegetables for a flavorful and healthy meal.
- Jujube vegan rice pudding: Cook rice in coconut milk and jujube tea, then stir in chopped dried jujubes and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a creamy and comforting dessert.
How Do You Cook Fresh Jujube Fruit?
Jujube fruit can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or cooked. If you have fresh jujube fruit, here is a simple recipe to cook them:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh jujube fruit
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse the jujube fruit and remove any stems or leaves.
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and cinnamon stick (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the jujube fruit to the saucepan and stir gently to coat them with the sugar syrup.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until the fruit is soft and tender.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and stir in the lemon juice (if using).
- Serve the cooked jujube fruit warm as a dessert or as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, or oatmeal.
Jujube Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh jujube fruit, pitted
- 1 banana
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Add all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
- Serve chilled.
Jujube Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh jujube fruit
- 4 cups water
- Honey or sugar to taste
Instructions:
- Rinse the jujube fruit and cut it in half.
- Add the jujube fruit and water to a pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Strain the tea and add honey or sugar to taste.
- Serve hot or chilled.
Jujube Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh jujube fruit, sliced
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the jujube fruit, salad greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and walnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Enjoy trying out these recipes with fresh jujube fruit!
How Do You Preserve Jujube Fruit?
There are various ways to preserve jujube fruit so you can enjoy them throughout the year. For example, fresh fruits can be coated in Aloe gel to help them last longer. Here are some other ideas:
Drying
To extend the shelf life of jujube fruit, they can be dried.
- First, wash them and cut them in half.
- Next, remove the seeds.
- Spread the fruit out on a baking sheet and place it in the sun to dry for several days, or use a food dehydrator.
- Dried jujube fruit can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Freezing
Jujube fruit can also be frozen to preserve its freshness.
- Wash and dry the fruit.
- Then, remove the seeds and cut them into small pieces.
- Place the fruit pieces in a plastic freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Canning
Another method of preserving jujube fruit is canning to preserve its flavor and texture.
- Start by washing the fruit and removing the seeds.
- Pack the fruit tightly into sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Add syrup made from sugar and water to cover the fruit, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 20-25 minutes, then store them in a cool, dark place.
Jam or Jelly
Jujube fruit is great for making delicious jams and jellies.
- Begin by washing and chopping the fruit.
- Cook with equal parts sugar and water until it is soft and pulpy.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, then return the liquid to the pot and add pectin.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then pour it into sterilized jars and place the lids on while the mixture is still very hot to form an airtight seal.
These preservation methods will help you enjoy jujube fruit long after the season has passed.
What Is Dried Jujube Good For?
Dried jujube fruit has a long shelf life, and just like the fresh fruit, it can be used in various ways. Here are some ideas for you to try:
- Snacking: Dried jujube makes for a nutritious and tasty snack. Naturally sweet and chewy, they are a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
- Tea: A traditional tea can be made from dried jujube. Simply simmer a handful of the dried fruits in water for about 10-15 minutes to create a fragrant and soothing tea. Other herbs or spices like ginger or cinnamon can be added for even more flavor.
- Baking: Another use for dried jujube is to use it in baking. Chop the fruit into small pieces and add it to cakes, muffins, and bread for a sweet and chewy texture.
- Cooking: not only limited to sweet foods, dried jujube is great for use in savory dishes as well. Add chopped fruit to stews and soups to give a sweet and tangy flavor. It also makes a delicious sauce for meats or as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt.
- Traditional Chinese medicine: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, dried jujube fruits are often used as a natural remedy to improve digestion, calm the mind, and boost the immune system.
Does Dried Jujube Need To Be Refrigerated?
No, you don’t have to refrigerate dried jujube fruit. In fact, it is best to store it in a cool, dry place such as a pantry or cupboard to keep them fresh and tasty. Refrigeration may even cause the fruit to lose its texture and flavor.
Keep it in an airtight container to prevent moisture and air from getting in, as this may cause the fruit to spoil or become hard. Dried jujube fruit should last for several months when stored properly.
Fresh jujube fruits can be kept at room temperature for a few days, but they are best stored in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and flavor for a longer period of time. The ideal temperature for storing fresh jujube is between 32-36°F (0-2°C).
When storing the fruits in a refrigerator, make sure to place them in a plastic bag or an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Remove any damaged or overripe fruit before storing it to prevent spoilage.
If you want to extend the shelf life of fresh jujube fruit even further, you can also freeze them. Simply wash and dry the fruit, remove any stems or seeds, and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen jujube fruit can be stored for up to six months and used in smoothies, sauces, and baked goods.
Conclusion
This versatile ingredient can be used in many different ways, both fresh and dried. From cooking and baking to snacking and tea-making, jujube fruit offers a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to please any palate.
Whether you’re looking to add more nutrition to your diet or simply want to try something new, jujube fruit is definitely worth exploring.
The fresh fruit can be used in many ways as a snack or incorporated into recipes such as salads, sauces, and baked goods. If you have an abundance of jujube fruit, preserving it through drying, freezing, or canning can help extend its shelf life.
Dried jujube fruit is a popular ingredient in teas, snacks, and desserts and is known for its sweet and chewy texture. While the dried fruit does not need to be refrigerated, it should be stored in a cool, dry place to maintain its quality and freshness.
Why not try adding jujube fruit to your diet? It’s a nutritious and delicious ingredient, and its versatility makes it great for experimentation and creativity in the kitchen. Go ahead and give jujube fruit a try – your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!
Discover how to grow your own jujube trees at home or other interesting things about the fruits in our range of articles.
