Interest in Jujube, a tree that produces small, edible oval fruits, has increased in recent years. This is due, in part, to new discoveries about its many health benefits. Although this has spurred demand, jujube remains one of the most expensive fruits on the market. In this article, we explore the reasons why jujube is so expensive, focusing on some of the main factors that contribute to its high price.
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What Makes Jujube So Expensive?
Jujube is a common fruit in many Asian countries, including China, Korea, and India, and is becoming increasingly popular in the United States and other Western countries due to its health benefits and unique flavor.
The high cost of jujubes can be attributed to a number of factors which include:
- Limited availability – Jujube trees require specific growing conditions, such as warm temperatures and well-drained soil. This makes it a challenging crop for farmers to cultivate on a large scale, as it can’t be grown everywhere. This limits the supply and drives up the price.
- Labor-intensive harvesting – The fruits are typically harvested by hand, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. This adds to the cost of production and contributes to the higher price of the fruit.
- Transportation costs – As jujubes are mostly grown in China and other Asian countries, they must be transported long distances to reach Western markets. This is another factor adding to the costs of the fruit, as transportation expenses are passed on to consumers.
- Health benefits – Rich in vitamins and minerals and providing numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, boosted immune function, and reduced anxiety, the high demand for this superfruit can escalate the price.
- Rarity – Some types of jujubes are considered rare and sought after by collectors, increasing the price for these specific varieties.
In this video, see how Jujube fruits can be used for complimentary medicinal purposes and more:
Jujube Cultivation And Harvesting Techniques
Jujube requires specific cultivation and harvesting techniques that contribute to its high cost.
It is typically grown in regions with warm and dry climates, such as China, where farmers use labor-intensive methods to cultivate the fruit.
Jujube trees need significant pruning, and commercially, it’s usually harvested by hand or with the help of a mechanical harvester.
Harvesting jujube fruit:
- Timing – The fruit is generally harvested when fully ripe and has attained a bright red color. The ideal time for harvesting varies depending on the location and climate.
- Preparation – Before harvesting, the farmers inspect the orchard and remove any damaged or diseased fruit. They also make sure that the fruit is mature and of the desired size and color.
- Hand harvesting – For hand harvesting, long poles with a hook at the end are used to pull down the fruit. Alternatively, the trees are climbed and the fruit is plucked off by hand.
- Mechanical harvesting – A shaker attached to a vehicle such as a tractor shakes the fruit from the tree. A catcher then collects the jujubes as they fall. Mechanical harvesters are efficient and can quickly harvest large quantities of fruit.
If more mechanical harvesters were used, then harvesting costs could be reduced, however, as mechanical equipment is expensive, it can be out of the reach of many small producers, particularly in poorer countries.
- Sorting – After harvesting, the fruit is sorted and graded based on its size, shape, and color. It’s also inspected for any signs of damage or disease.
- Cleaning – Next, the fruit is cleaned to remove any dirt or debris. The cleaning process involves washing the fruit with water or using a high-pressure air blower to clear away any remaining dirt, grit, stalks, and leaves.
- Packaging – After cleaning, the fruit is packed into boxes or bags for transport. The packaging must be sturdy enough to protect the fruit during transit.
- Storage – Jujube fruit must be stored in a cool, dry place to preserve its quality. The ideal temperature for storage is between 32°F and 41°F (0°C and 5°C). Proper storage helps to extend the shelf life of the fruit.
Transportation and Storage Challenges
Once jujube is harvested, it faces transportation and storage challenges that increase its cost.
Due to its delicate nature, jujube is susceptible to damage during transport and must be stored in a controlled environment to prevent spoilage.
This means that the fruit must be carefully packaged and shipped quickly, adding additional expense.
Market Trends and Consumer Demand
Not only has Jujube gained popularity in recent years due to its numerous health benefits, including its high levels of antioxidants and vitamins, but additionally, it is often marketed as a luxury fruit, further driving up the price.
The result is that demand for jujube is set to continue to rise for the foreseeable future.
What Is The Price Of Fresh Jujube Per Kilo?
Fresh jujube prices in the commercial trade market range from 3.5 to 6 US Dollars per kg. This price fluctuates continuously depending on supply and demand.
It isn’t just fresh jujube seeing a rise in prices, jujube extracts are also increasing in popularity. In 2022 the market value for jujube extract was US$ 6,173 million and is anticipated to rise to US$8,963 million in 2023.
Alternatives to Fresh Jujube
For those who are interested in the health benefits of jujube but cannot afford its high price, there are alternatives available.
For example, dried jujube is often less expensive and can be used in a variety of recipes. Other fruits, such as dates or prunes, offer similar health benefits but at a lower cost.
Which Country Is The Largest Producer Of Jujube?
China is the largest producer of jujube in the world, with a production level that far exceeds any other country. The fruit is an important part of Chinese cuisine and culture.
China has been cultivating jujube for thousands of years and produces more than 700 varieties. The fruit is widely grown in many provinces, including Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Henan, and Shandong.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, China produced 4.2 million metric tons of jujube in 2020, which accounted for more than 97% of the world’s total production.
Other major producers of jujube include Iran, South Korea, Uzbekistan, India, and Turkey, but their production levels are significantly lower than China’s.
Do Jujubes Grow In The US?
Some jujube fruit is grown commercially in the United States. It is becoming more popular in warmer regions with a dry climate, such as California, Texas, and Arizona.
In the US, jujube fruits are primarily grown for the fresh and dried fruit markets, but they are also used to produce jujube juice, jujube tea, and other products.
Jujube trees are relatively easy to grow and have a long lifespan, with some living for over 100 years.
As the trees are drought-tolerant and require minimal maintenance, it makes them a popular crop for farmers in arid regions.
Jujube fruits grown in the United States are usually harvested from late summer to early fall, and they are sold fresh in local markets or dried for export.
Dried fruits can be used as a natural sweetener or snack, and are also popular in traditional medicines or for their health benefits.
Overall, while the United States does not produce as much jujube fruit as China, it does have a small, growing commercial market, especially in regions with a suitable climate for jujube tree cultivation.
Conclusion
The high cost of jujube can be attributed to the high costs involved in the commercial harvesting of the fruit. This is due to the need for careful inspection, hand or mechanical picking, sorting and grading, cleaning, packaging, and storage.
The end goal is to ensure that the fruit is of high quality and can be transported safely to the market.
Additional cost factors include its limited availability, transportation costs, health benefits, and rarity.
Despite the high price, many people consider jujubes to be a delicious and healthy snack, making them a popular choice among health-conscious consumers.
If you’d like to get the benefits of jujube and live in a location with a suitable climate, then you could try growing some trees of your own.
Discover more about jujube fruit and how to grow trees in our other articles.
I live in New Mexico and have a Jujube tree. I love the fruit it produces. This year it gave us so much fruit that I was giving it away. I love the sweetness of this fruit. However, I did not know there was medical benefits to the fruit until I read it.