Yulin Jujubes

Yulin Jujubes

　　Yulin Jujubes are one of the renowned traditional and high-quality specialties of Shaanxi, famous both in China and abroad. They are characterized by their large size, small pits, thin skins, thick flesh, crisp texture, long fruit strands, abundant juice, sweet taste, mellow and fragrant flavor, high sugar content, bright red color, low moisture, long storage life, and excellent quality. Truly, “their sweetness surpasses even rock honey, and their crimson hue outshines red cherries,” making them jujubes that excel in color, aroma, taste, and shape. The average single fruit weighs 12.6 grams, with larger ones reaching up to 35 grams. Fresh fruits contain 43.48% soluble sugar, 40.82% reducing sugar, 2.53% sucrose, and a pit-to-flesh ratio of 0.5:2.5, with over 90% being high-quality fruit. At the review meeting for the *Chinese Jujube Chronicles*, Yulin Jujubes received high praise.

Yulin Jujubes are mainly produced along the Yellow River and Luo River in northern Shaanxi, in counties such as Qingjian, Suide, Shenmu, Wubao, and Jia County. In particular, areas like Suide’s Zhaolinping and Qingjian’s Sheyuli have long been celebrated production regions for “Yulin Jujubes.” Historical records indicate a cultivation history of over 3,000 years. The *Wubao County Annals* from the Daoguang era mention “abundant jujube trees” and “jujubes being plentiful, with residents making a living from them.” The *Jia County Annals* state: “Only the area along the Yellow River has fertile soil, most suitable for jujubes and pears, and residents grow them as a source of livelihood.” Villages within the region, such as Nihelogou, have jujube trees that are several hundred years old. According to the Qing-era *Qingjian County Annals*, historically, from Dianfangping all the way to the Yellow River, there were jujube orchards spanning a hundred li. In Wangsuli Village, Laoshigu Township of the county, there is an ancient jujube tree that has been dated to over 1,000 years old, making the area famous as the “Hometown of Jujubes.” Currently, the planted area of Yulin Jujubes exceeds 300,000 mu, with an annual yield of 15,000 to 20,000 tons. They have become a major local specialty product of Shaanxi. In addition to being popular in the domestic market, they are also exported in large quantities to countries and regions including North Korea, Hong Kong, and Macau, holding a notable position in the international market.