Red Dates
Jujube / Anaab / BerRed Dates is a delicacy that is know by a variety of names in the Asian continent such as Jujube, Anaab, Ber, Indian Dates, Chinese Dates, Korean Dates. This fruit is known for its medicinal properties and high content of Vitamin C and other nutritional values. Due to its high content of vitamin C, traditionally Jujube is used as a tea to treat sore throat.
These tiny fruits are filled with minerals like potassium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, and zinc. A combination of these minerals are necessary for maintaining a good heart health. Iron helps in improving the hemoglobin count which in turn prevents anemia. These minerals are important in regulating the blood flow in the body.
Jujubes contains vitamin C and antioxidants which are known for reversing the effects of ageing. Antioxidants fights with free radicals and prevents cell damage. Vitamin C can do wonders for your face by providing a healthy and acne free glow to the skin. It prevents early signs of aging and helps in brightening and clearing out the dull skin.
HEALTH BENEFIT
The fruit and its seeds are used in Chinese and Korean traditional medicine, where they are believed to alleviate stress, and traditionally for anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory purposes and sedation, antispastic, antifertility/contraception, hypotensive and antinephritic, cardiotonic, antioxidant, immunostimulant, and wound healing properties. It is among the fruits used in Kampo. Jujube, along with Gan Cao, is used in Chinese medicine to harmonize and moderate other herbs.
Jujube fruit is also combined with other herbs to treat colds and influenza. The fruit contains many different healthy properties like Vitamins, amino acids. The use of the fruit can be helpful for spleen diseases in chinese medicine.
SELECTION & STORAGE
Properly stored, dried jujubes will last for about 6 to 12 months at normal room temperature.
To maximize the shelf life of dried jujubes after opening, place in tightly sealed airtight container or heavy-duty plastic bag.
Store in Cool, dry place, and away from sunlight.
PREPARATION & SERVING METHOD
Red Dates is loaded with Vitamin C and it can be prepared as a tea to help provide a nutritious beverage served both hot and cold. The hot version is traditionally used as a home remedy to help with sore throat.
Both China and Korea produce a sweetened tea syrup containing jujube fruit in glass jars, and canned jujube tea or jujube tea in the form of teabags.
It can be crushed or used as an alternative to apples and dates in recipes to help increase the nutritional benefits of the dish.
Traditionally in India, the fruits are dried in the sun and the hard seeds removed, after which the dried flesh is pounded with tamarind, red chillies, salt, and jaggery. In some parts of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, fresh whole ripe fruit is crushed with the above ingredients and sun-dried to make cakes called ilanthai vadai or regi vadiyalu (Telugu). It is also commonly consumed as a snack.
The most come method is snacking on it as you would with regular dates.
SAFETY PROFILE
Red dates is likely safe when used in food amounts. People who are allergic to latex might also be allergic to red dates. Red dates might lower blood sugar. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar closely.
