What is a Jujube?

The jujube originated in Asia where they have been cultivated for more than 4,000 years and where there are over 400 cultivars. The plants traveled beyond Asia centuries ago and today are grown to some extent in Russia, northern Africa, southern Europe, the Middle East and the southwestern United States. Jujube seedlings, inferior to the Chinese cultivars, were introduced into Europe at the beginning of the Christian era and carried to the U. S. in 1837. It wasn’t until 1908 that improved Chinese selections were introduced by the USDA.

Dongui Bogam says,

“The nature of this fruit is mild (some say it is warm), the taste is sweet, and it is poison-free. It comforts the interior and nourishes the spleen. It replenishes the five viscera and helps the twelve meridians and collateral. It replenishes fluid and humor and frees the nine orifices. It strengthens one’s mind and harmonizes all kinds of medicine.”