It’s the peak of jujube season, and they’re widely available for purchase. But how do you choose the best ones, ensuring they’re crisp and sweet to your liking? Check out these tips below:
1. Check the Color
Most jujubes, or Chinese dates, typically feature a mix of brown-red and greenish-blue hues, with some exhibiting a blend of these colors.
Contrary to popular belief, not only the fully brown-red ones are especially sweet. In reality, jujubes transition from greenish-blue to brown-red as they ripen, and uneven sun exposure can result in fruits with mixed colors. Thus, jujubes with mixed colors can also be crisp and sweet, not just those with a predominantly brown-red hue.
As for jujubes that remain entirely green, even if they are no longer unripe, they may not be sweet yet. The greener the fruit, the less ripe and sweet it is likely to be, so it’s best to avoid purchasing these.
2. Examine the Shape
Delicious, fresh jujubes have a shiny, plump skin. The fresher the fruit, the higher the nutritional value. Therefore, avoid choosing wrinkled fruits, as they have likely been stored for a long time, and their skin may have sustained damage, resulting in moisture loss. Steer clear of such choices as they lack both nutritional value and appealing flavor.
3. Give Them a Squeeze
Fresh jujubes always have a smooth skin, and when squeezed, they feel firm, indicating a crisp texture when bitten into.
If a jujube feels soft and wrinkled, it’s best to leave it behind, as these traits signify poor quality and a lack of crispness and sweetness.
In general, if you’re unsure about the quality of jujubes, it’s best to taste one before buying in bulk. Only purchase them if they’re crisp and sweet. Avoid those that are soft and bitter, as some sellers may have soaked them in ripening agents, resulting in a sweet exterior but a bitter interior.
How to Clean Jujubes Properly
– After purchasing your jujubes, soak them in clean water mixed with a little salt for 10-20 minutes before rinsing them under running water.
– Note: Do not remove the stems during the final cleaning step, as this is not beneficial for storage. Water may also seep into the fruit during cleaning, affecting its taste and shelf life.
Good luck, and happy jujube season!
