Sihong Jujube

Sihong Jujube

Sihong Jujube is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Sihong Jujube, also known as "Overlord Jujube." The reason for the name "Overlord" has two aspects: first, the jujubes are large, sweet, and of high quality; second, it is said that Xiang Yu, the Overlord of Western Chu, loved to eat this type of jujube, hence the name "Overlord Jujube."

　　Since 1982, under the support of higher-level scientific research departments, Sihong has cultivated new varieties of Sihong Jujube. The new variety’s fruit is nearly round, with a slightly indented top and an uneven surface. The average single fruit weighs 45 grams, with larger ones reaching 71 grams. When ripe, the skin turns deep red, the flesh is crisp, sweet, and the stone is small. It matures in mid-September and does not crack even if it rains during the ripening period.

　　Scientific tests by relevant departments have shown that the new Sihong Jujube variety contains over 30.5% soluble solids, 2.2% protein, as well as essential mineral elements such as iron, phosphorus, and calcium. It also provides all 17 amino acids needed by the human body along with abundant vitamins. In every 100 grams of fresh jujube, there are 0.06 mg of vitamin B1, 0.04 mg of vitamin B2, 580 mg of vitamin C (76 times that of apples), 3000 mg of vitamin P (rutin), as well as vitamins A and E. Therefore, Sihong Jujube has earned the reputation of being a “living vitamin pill.”

　　Sihong Jujube has a long flowering period and produces an abundance of flowers, making it an excellent source of nectar. Tests by relevant institutions have confirmed that jujube blossom honey ranks second only to lychee honey. Jujube wood is a high-quality hardwood, ideal for carving, tool-making, and as a key material for important parts of carts and boats. Its bark can be used in medicine, while the stones are great raw material for producing activated carbon. Lower-quality fruits can be used to extract fragrances, and tender leaves can be processed into health teas.

　　Sihong Jujube also offers various medicinal and health benefits—its leaves, fruits, flowers, bark, roots, thorns, and wood can all be used in traditional medicine. According to *Compendium of Materia Medica*, “Jujube tastes sweet, is non-toxic, regulates heart qi, calms the spirit, strengthens the spleen, harmonizes stomach qi, clears the nine orifices, and benefits the twelve meridians…” “Dried jujube moistens the heart and lungs, relieves coughs, nourishes the five organs, and treats deficiencies.” Clinical evidence throughout history shows that red dates have special therapeutic effects on hepatitis, blood pressure reduction, blood enrichment, spleen strengthening, and brain nourishment. Recent studies have found that jujube fruits contain rutin, which maintains capillary patency and prevents increased fragility of blood vessel walls, as well as anticancer compounds such as adenosine phosphate and catechol. This shows that jujube is an excellent health food. Folk sayings like “long-term consumption of jujube lightens the body and extends life” and “eating three jujubes a day keeps aging at bay” are backed by scientific reasoning.

　　Sihong Jujube is not only a top choice for fresh consumption but can also be processed into wine-soaked jujubes, candied jujubes, stuffed jujubes, jujube juice, and canned syrup jujubes.