jujube (fruit)

The jujube (scientific name: Ziziphus jujuba), commonly known as red dates, black dates, or Chinese dates, is a small deciduous tree that grows in temperate regions. It is native to central and southern mainland China, the Korean Peninsula, Lebanon, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, and is distributed in various regions of China. Due to its economic value, it has been transplanted to Japan, southern Europe, and North America. The small flowers are rich in nectar, making it a source of honey. The fruit is called jujube, which is oblong in shape. When immature, it is greenish-yellow, resembling a miniature version of green Indian dates, and turns reddish-brown when ripe. Jujubes can be eaten fresh or dried, and can also be made into dried fruits or candied.