THE Western Australian annual crop of jujubes, one of the most popular fruits in China, is now in season and should be available in specialist shops until the end of April.
Department of Agriculture and Food development officer Rachelle Johnstone suggests that anyone with a taste for the Asian delicacy or keen curiosity should seek them out while they are in store or available at local orchards.
“The fresh jujube, often pronounced jujubey, is about the size of an apricot and looks like a miniature apple,” Ms Johnstone said.
“It has a mild sweet flavour and is eagerly sought by those who know it from China or other locations.
“The industry is small but expanding in Western Australia, and we believe it could become a useful sideline for properties in the South West Land Division because of its drought and salt tolerance.”
The Department of Agriculture and Food is working with the WA industry as part of a project funded by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation to increase knowledge and capacity.
Ms Johnstone said while nearly a thousand varieties of jujube had been recorded in China, around 11 recognised varieties had been grown in WA. Of these, Chico and Li are the most popular.
“At present there is no shortage of demand for the local crop, but if production expands we believe it could have good export potential back to Asia because of the difference in seasons,” she said.
In China the fruit is often dried and candied, when it is known as the red date. Fruit must mature fully on the tree to be suitable for drying, she said.
The department is monitoring three orchards to develop a best practice guide for growing jujube in Australia.
