Indian green Jujube is a walnut-size fruit with a lemon yellow-light green peel that gradually turns maroonish-brown.
About Indian Jujube
They are around 2-2.5 inches long with a thin, crisp, and glossy peel. Bite into one and you will see that the inner fruit pulp is white, firm, and airy, which becomes mealy when it turns ripe. The fruit has a central seed.
Indian jujube has a subtly sweet taste and can be tangy or sour similar to a green apple.
Fun Fact: There are many varieties of Jujubes. They vary in size, shape, and taste. There are almost around 300 varieties in the world and around 90 in India itself. Many of these varieties including the Indian jujube are called Ber/Bor in the local language.
Scientific Name
Zizyphus mauritiana
Other Names of Indian Jujube
- Indian Plum, Chinese jujube, Indian Jujube(English),
- Ber ( Hindi ),
- Bora ( Marathi ),
- Kul ( Bengali/Assamese)
Availability
Even though Indian Jujube originated in South Asia and they are available in India, China, the Middle East, and a few other places.
They are mainly available during winter from December to March in India.
Nutritional Content
This fruit is “chota packet, bada dhamaka”.
It is low in calories and a rich source of Carbohydrates, dietary fibre, proteins, fat, vitamins (ascorbic acid, thiamine, and riboflavin), phenolics, and minerals, making it great for the gut.
Jujube are also a rich source of Vitamin A, C, and B complexes, which support immunity, skin and overall energy levels.
They are also a good source of copper, zinc, iron, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, and calcium. Thus, it helps in hormonal health, mood-regulation and bone health.
This fruit is also loaded with antioxidants and flavonoids which help reduce oxidative stress.
In terms of medical uses, Jujubes also have great value in Chinese medicine.
Culinary Use
- Fresh as a fruit
- Dried variant as it is or in desserts
- Pickles,
- Jam, and jellies
- Fermented recipes
And if you have enjoyed reading this blog, make sure to read about fennel seeds or quinoa
Thank you for your article. Is this fruit the same as in Masala Bor that I can buy packaged at the Indian grocery store?
In India we have over 100+ types of bor/ber. This variety is generally consumed as fresh fruit. The masala bor are another