These are not green olives, they are young jujubes (pronounced ju-ju-bee). Once the fruits ripen between August and September, they turn dark red or maroon in color. And when they are really ripen, they become wrinkly and super sweet.

This small tree grows straight up and are surrounded by long branches. The branches are filled with fruits that make them droop, almost like a Weeping Willow.

Jujubes are popular in Asia. They are also referred to as Chinese date or red date. In Lao it’s called, “mak ka-tun”.

The taste would best be described as a sweet and crisp, much like a good apple.

The only part I don’t like is the skin can be tough and tickles my throat. Therefore, not so comfortable to eat. But that’s a personal thing as other people may not even noticed.

Dried ripe jujubes are commonly used in Chinese herbal medicines. They are usually boiled (simmer) along with medicinal mushrooms for hours at a time.

I have seen a mature jujube tree last summer at the International Fruit Orchard. They can get really big and must be difficult to harvest since the fruits are so small.

Until I have a photo of the ripe jujubes, here is one from Papaya Tree Nursery. This type is called “Chang” and is an ideal tree for small yards or corner spots. They are described by the growers as, “Low maintenance and easy to grow.” That sounds like something I can handle!

Ripe jujubes can also be found sold at Asian markets when in season. Don’t be afraid to give them a try. And if you prefer the dried version, they also make good jujube tea.

Benefits of jujube from WebMD:

“Jujube is used for improving muscular strength and weight, for preventing liver diseases and stress ulcers, and as a sedative. Jujube is also used for various skin conditions including dry and itchy skin, purpura, wounds, and ulcers; digestive problems including lack of appetite and diarrhea; and circulatory problems including high blood pressure and anemia. Other uses are for fatigue, hysteria, fever, inflammation, asthma, and eye diseases.”

With all those benefits, I guess this would make this fruit one of the “superfruits”.