Jia County Oil Jujube

Jia County Oil Jujube

Jia County Oil Jujube is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Jia County is a renowned hometown of red dates in China. In 2001, the State Forestry Administration awarded Jia County the title of “China’s Date Capital.” The Nihegou Village in Zhujiawa Township is home to ancient jujube trees planted over 1,300 years ago, which still boast lush canopies and abundant fruit. Experts call them the “Date King” and “living fossils.” According to records from Beijing Tongrentang, “Jiazhou Oil Jujubes can cure all kinds of illnesses when used medicinally.” In 2005, Jia County obtained national dual certification as an organic red date production base and for its organic red date products.

　　Geographic Scope

　　Among domestic and international red date products, only Jia County holds a nationally issued organic product certification. Jia County red dates undergo high-quality requirements and controls throughout planting, production, processing, packaging, and transportation. The use of synthetic substances such as pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and hormones is strictly prohibited during cultivation and production, ensuring that Jia County’s large red dates maintain their pollution-free, all-natural characteristics. The industry has long praised Jia County red dates as “nature’s finest, the king of fruits.” Jia County Oil Jujubes are relatively resistant to cracking, generally withstanding 2–3 days of overcast and rainy weather during the ripening period. Rainfall exceeding 50 mm during this time may cause fruit cracking and rot. They are also cold-resistant.

　　Distinctive Qualities

　　Jia County Oil Jujube trees are relatively large, with medium to strong vigor, semi-spreading tree posture, and a naturally semi-circular canopy. The trees have medium vigor, moderate branching ability, and appropriate branch and leaf density. Root suckering ability is weak, but growth vigor is strong, and the root system is well-developed. The fruit is medium to large, oblong or cylindrical in shape, with an average weight of 12.3 grams and a maximum weight of 19.6 grams. The fruit surface is smooth, the skin is medium-thick, dark red, and aesthetically pleasing. The flesh is thick, greenish-white, firm, slightly coarse, with low juice content, sweet taste, and a slight acidity. Suitable for drying, it is of premium quality, with a drying rate of 47.6%, sugar content of 75.2%, acid content of 1.2%, and moisture content of 20%. The pit is small, spindle-shaped, with an average weight of 0.35 grams. In the production area, budding begins in late April, leaves unfold in early May, flowering peaks in mid to late June, and the fruit growth period lasts from July to early September, which is the peak period for rain demand. The fruit is fully mature in early October and ready for harvest. Leaves fall in early November. Jia County Oil Jujubes are relatively resistant to cracking, usually withstanding 2–3 days of overcast and rainy weather during the ripening period. Rainfall exceeding 50 mm during this time may cause fruit cracking and rot. They are also cold-resistant.

　　Cultural Anecdotes

　　Suitable for cultivation in northern regions with a cooler climate (average annual temperature of 9–11°C), significant diurnal temperature variations, and about 500 mm of rainfall. Both hilly and plain areas are suitable. Not suitable for development in the Guanzhong region or similar areas. It performs well in all red date-producing counties in northern Shaanxi and across the Yellow River in Shanxi’s date-producing areas (both collectively referred to as the Loess Plateau Hilly Date Region), yielding bountiful and stable crops with excellent quality and high drying rates. Adaptable to both mountainous and flat terrains, but strict sunlight conditions are required—no less than 10 hours of sunlight per day. It also performs well in Yinchuan, Ningxia, in similar regions. However, in Shaanxi’s Weibei region, it is often damaged by rainfall during the ripening period, leading to fruit cracking and rot.