Chinese jujube date (Ziziphus jujuba)

Jaimie Sweetman is Head Gardener of the Edible Forest located on the Yarra Valley Estate in Dixons Creek. There are regular tours of the Edible Forest, often led by Jaimie – read more and book your place on a future tour.

The Chinese jujube date originates from China and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is considered to be high in both nutrients and antioxidants.

The taste of the fruit resembles an apple yet also a date. Because the harvesting season is only a couple of months, they are often sold dried, and sometimes as candied dried fruit.

The plant is a small, deciduous tree that can get 5-10 metres tall. It enjoys a long hot summer with a cool winter to go dormant in and thus it grows well in southern inland Australia. It fruits in the Autumn.

Our tree is growing in a hot area of the forest that is protected from wind and this year is the first year that we have had fruit. The tree is around 6 years old and has grown quite slowly.

Young trees cost upwards of $130 each from specialty growers.

In summary, this is a unique tree that is worth considering if you have the right spot.