Lingtong Jujube Twist

Lingtong Jujube Twist

　　Lingtong Jujube Twist is a specialty of Lintong District, Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province. Sweet jujube twist—seen from afar, it looks like dead tree branches, but up close it resembles dried walnut kernels growing on the twigs. When eaten, it has an extremely dry yet intensely sweet jujube flavor.

　　In the Shaanxi dialect, it’s called “guozao,” and its scientific name is Hovenia acerba. It has many elegant nicknames: Wanzili, Miquilu, Shanlin Guo, Mumi, Mu Shanhu, Jijuzi, Jiazhuaizi, Wanshou Guo, Jinguizi, Jilian, Gouqizi, Lianqing, Jiejiaozhi, and more.

　　The fruit is nearly spherical, hairless, with a diameter of about 7 millimeters and a grayish-brown color. The flowering period is in June, and the fruiting season is from August to October. The shape of the fruit resembles the swastika symbol “卍,” hence it is also called the “longevity fruit.”

　　The fruit stalk contains a large amount of glucose and potassium malate, becoming sweet after frost. It can be eaten raw or used to make wine, commonly known as “guozao.” The fruit itself is used medicinally as a cooling diuretic and hangover remedy. “Guozao wine” can treat rheumatism. The wood has moderate hardness and beautiful grain, suitable for construction, furniture-making, and crafting fine arts and crafts.