Indian jujube facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ziziphus mauritiana |
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Z. mauritiana
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The Indian jujube (scientific name: Ziziphus mauritiana) is a type of fruit tree. It is also known as Chinese date, Indian plum, or ber. This amazing tree is most often found in warm parts of Asia, especially India, where it gets its common name. It also grows in Africa and Australia.
The Indian jujube tree is known for its tasty fruits, which are a bit like small apples or dates. These fruits are popular snacks and are used in many different ways around the world.
Contents
What is the Indian Jujube Tree?
The Indian jujube is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 meters (about 50 feet) tall. It has a spreading crown and often has thorny branches. The leaves are shiny green on top and have a soft, whitish, fuzzy underside.
Where Does the Indian Jujube Grow?
This tree loves warm, dry climates. It can grow in many different types of soil, even poor ones, which makes it very tough. You can find it in tropical and subtropical regions, from sea level up to about 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) high. It's especially common in dry forests and open woodlands.
The Fruit: A Sweet Treat
The fruit of the Indian jujube is round or oval-shaped, about 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters (0.6 to 1 inch) across. When it's young, it's green, but as it ripens, it turns yellow, then orange-brown, and finally a reddish-brown color. The skin is thin and the flesh inside is white, crisp, and juicy.
What Does the Fruit Taste Like?
The taste of the Indian jujube fruit changes as it ripens. When green, it's a bit sour and crunchy, like a green apple. As it gets riper, it becomes sweeter and softer, tasting a bit like a date or a sweet apple. Each fruit has a single hard seed inside.
How Do People Use the Fruit?
People eat the fruits fresh, right off the tree. They are also used to make:
- Juices
- Jams
- Candies
- Pickles
In some places, the dried fruits are ground into a powder and used as a spice or a thickener in cooking.
Other Uses of the Indian Jujube Tree
Besides its delicious fruit, different parts of the Indian jujube tree are useful in many ways.
Wood and Timber
The wood of the Indian jujube tree is strong and durable. It is used for:
- Building materials
- Making tools
- Furniture
- Firewood
Traditional Medicine
In traditional medicine, various parts of the tree, including the leaves, bark, and roots, have been used for different purposes. For example, the leaves are sometimes used to help with digestion.
Animal Feed
The leaves and young branches of the Indian jujube tree are also used as food for livestock, like goats and cattle, especially in dry areas where other plants might not grow well.
Images for kids
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Tree
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Fruits at various stages of ripeness, with cracked pit showing the two seeds
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Ripe and unripe jujube fruits for sale at the Luangwa Bridge in Zambia.
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Bark
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See also
In Spanish: Ponsigué para niños
