Li Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba)

Most popular jujube variety in United States. Self-fruitful but yield increases with cross-pollination, particularly with Lang. Afternoon blooming type. Less thorny than many varieties.

Large round to ovate mahogany brown fruit (3-5 cm diameter), size/shape of small egg. Very sweet crisp flavor with subtle tangy notes, apple-like texture. Crisp airy semi-aqueous flesh. Very small almost imperceptible seed, virtually never develops seed. Can be picked yellow-green and will finish ripening off tree. Ripens slightly later than Lang, mid-late season (late summer through fall). Excellent for fresh eating and drying.

Native to China, over 4,000 years in cultivation. Transported along silk road to Asia, Middle East, Europe around 380 CE. Seeds tossed by railway workers in southwestern US (Arizona, Texas, New Mexico) in late 1800s created some of first jujube trees in United States.