Produce Briefs...
White Corn
White corn is a sweet corn variety. Its ears are wrapped in tightly layered pale lime green to white husks. One ear of corn can contain up to 400 kernels growing in rows lengthwise.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
Seasons/Availability
Jujube's are available in summer.
Description/Taste
Somewhat pear-shaped or round and just about the size of a golf ball, the small jujube resembles a large yellowish apple covered with a rather hardy skin. This fruit varies from light yellow-green to an almost light shade of kelly green. Inside is a hard kernel, inedible pointed seeds and a rather pithy acidic pulp. Its unique texture is almost like a succulent caramel. This crisp little fruit charmer offers its very own lively flavor that is quite different from any other.
Nutritional Value
This rare fruit is rich in vitamin C.
Applications
Usually this fruit is candied but may be enjoyed fresh. Stew in honey or sugar syrup. Make a jujube cake or cookies. Add jujubes to sautéed vegetables for an unusual sweet twist. Substitute dried jujubes for raisins or dates. Wine can even be made from jujubes. To store, refrigerate.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In China, this special fruit is popular dried or preserved in syrup. Its juice was formerly used for making lozenges to help alleviate chest pain. Because of this, the word "jujube" acquired the meaning of "a confection, sweetmeat, or medicated lozenge, round, oblong, or square in shape," as quoted in Law's Grocers' Manual of c 1895 explaining, however, that these said jujubes are made with gum Arabic or other gums, not made with the actual jujube fruits.
Geography/History
Thought to be native to Syria and China, jujubes are primarily grown in China. Produced on an ornamental small thorny tree, this fruit loves a dry and mild climate. Being able to survive in cooler temperatures, it grows in Mediterranean countries and has since biblical times. Chinese gardeners developed the small fruit until it became superior and dessert quality. Loving life in both hemispheres, jujubes are now cultivated in Japan, Iran and Afghanistan. They remain a favorite in the Mediterranean. Jujube trees now love life in the United States and thrive in California, Florida and the southwestern region. Other names for this fruit are Chinese date and tsao.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include JuJube. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Noob Cook |
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Snow Fungus with Longan and Ginkgo Nuts |
| Cheap Ethnic Eatz |
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Jujube Cake |
| Foodilicous Malaysia |
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Ginseng Chicken Soup |
Recently Spotted
Someone spotted JuJube using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Little Italy Mercato Near San Diego, California, United States About 71 days ago Spotter's comments : Creek side Tropicals had JuJu be's today at the Little Italy Mercado!! |
