Jujube is also known as finap, or Chinese lance and is an ancient fruit tree, historical data of which is known since 6, 000 years ago. Jujube refers to the Ziziphus genus, seed family. There are more than 50 varieties of jujube, but the most famous and useful is Ziziphus jujuba Mill.
Largely rejected by the West, Asians and Europeans recognize the valuable qualities of the jujube many centuries ago. In the 17th century, Gerrard notes that Chinese lance is an excellent remedy for all ills, but mostly the lungs and kidneys. Widespread varieties are comparatively small, but very useful.
The fruits of jujube are oblong, light brown skin and have a shiny pip. Jujube has a pleasant taste and high nutritional value. It is one of four major fruit plants in China, which occupies over 2 million acres.
The largest number of varieties is found in the home of jujube - China. They are created primarily by the method of selection by people over many centuries. However, this fruit grows without problems in terms of a temperate continental climate. Can be grown in a garden or in a pot at home, as a small bush.
Jujube is a tree that can live up to 300 years. Begins to bear fruit a year after planting. Its fruits are sweet or sweet and sour.
Composition of jujube
The small berries are rich in flavonoids, saponins, gums, sugars, vitamin A, vitamin C and B2, minerals - calcium, iron and phosphorus. The content of vitamin C in jujube is 8 to 18 times more than tomatoes and citrus, and about 200 times more than the equivalent vitamin C in apples, peaches and pears. Jujube is very rich in vitamin D, protein, pectin, tannin and rutin. The leaves of jujube contain large amounts of catechins, tannins, coumarin substances, vitamin B1, and uric acids.
Selection and storage of jujube
Choose a nice red fruit, with a slightly glossy hue that has no trace of injury. Store in a dry place. If you purchase dried jujube, you also need to put it in dry and cool places that do not fall under direct sunlight.
If you want to plant jujube, get some seeds from the fruit, but for the sake of security, first place them in moist cotton to germinate. From time to time, uncover the seeds to prevent molding. The germinated seeds can be sown in pots or directly in the garden.
Jujube in cooking
The fruits can be eaten fresh, as then they have the most health benefits. Moreover, Chinese lance can be dried, or be used in jams and marmalades, compotes and delicious homemade brandy. Due to the pleasant taste of the fruit, it is often used to mask the bitter taste of pills.
Benefits of jujube
Every part of the tree is used for specific purposes in different cultures. For example, a pip from a fruit tree that is over 3 years old is used as an excellent remedy for abdominal pain and skin sores.
The leaves of the tree are used to treat children with typhoid because they cause the sweating and fever to stop. It is considered a powerful tonic for the blood. The roots of the tree are used in the treatment of measles, chickenpox and are a strong stimulator of hair growth.
Fruits of Jujube are a great way to prevent obesity and to improve muscle strength and increase endurance. The bark of jujube is used to make a solution that helps sore eyes.
In Chinese medicine, jujube is used as a tonic that strengthens liver function. Research has shown that jujube helps in the speedy recovery of patients with cirrhosis and hepatitis. The Chinese discovered that wild jujube helps skin and improves complexion.
Jujube reduces pain and distress, and is highly recommended for insomnia, which is caused by severe physical weakness and mental fatigue.
It is recommended for overall improvement of the condition of the body, regardless of what has been suffered - illness, stress, or fatigue. It is especially good for stopping respiratory flu or intestinal problems, accelerates the healing process, especially fatigue syndrome.
In the modern medicine of China, jujube is used as a tonic for the spleen and stomach, for shortness of breath, weakness, or severe emotional disorder caused by nerve problems. As it has mild sedative properties, it is taken to reduce irritability and stress.
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