Basic Introduction to Nangong Jumbo Dates
Nangong in Hebei Province is a major agricultural city that has had the tradition of growing jumbo dates since ancient times, with a focus on planting large purple dates. Prior to 2007, “Nangong Large Purple Dates” were considered a traditional fruit and a local specialty without establishing itself as a genuine brand product. It was not until the spring of 2007 when Nangong brought its large purple dates to Beijing, China's capital, for the World Forestry Exposition. The dates were highly praised by experts from various countries attending the event due to their unique characteristics of thick flesh, small seeds, excellent quality, and high nutritional value. They were awarded the Gold Medal at the 2007 China International Forestry Industry Expo, First Prize for Recommended Fruits for the Beijing Olympics, and the China Famous Fruit Award.
Nutritional Value
Jumbo dates contain Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Carotene, Nicotinic Acid, among other vitamins. In addition, jumbo dates also contain resin, mucilage, coumarin derivatives, catechol, tannins, volatile oils, 13 amino acids, and trace elements such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and selenium.
Product Characteristics
Nangong jumbo dates are large in size, with thin skin and thick flesh. The red date skin dissolves in the mouth and does not get stuck between the teeth. The date flesh is abundant, the color is full, and the taste is excellent!
Historical Folklore
Historical records indicate that jujubes (red dates) are a traditional, famous specialty tree species native to China. Archaeologists have discovered jujube pits from the Feiligang cultural site in Xinzheng, Henan, which proves that jujubes have been present in China for over 8,000 years. People began using jujubes to ferment and brew jujube wine as early as the Western Zhou period, serving it as a premium offering to guests. The nutritional and health benefits of jujubes were discovered and utilized in ancient times. There are references to “peeling jujubes in August” in the Book of Songs. The Book of Rites mentions “using jujubes, chestnuts, honey, and sugar” in cooking. The Strategies of the Warring States notes the benefits of jujubes and chestnuts in providing sustenance for the people in northern China. The Hanfeizi records an instance where jujubes and chestnuts were used to save lives during a famine in Qin. Thus, jujubes have long been regarded as a “reliable crop” and “tree-based food.” Jujubes have also been used medicinally for a long time. The Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica includes jujubes, and subsequent medicinal texts document their therapeutic uses, with an increasing understanding of their health benefits. Even today, jujubes are considered an important tonic. Li Shizhen wrote in Compendium of Materia Medica that jujubes are sweet and warm in nature, capable of replenishing qi and nourishing blood. They are used to treat “spleen deficiency, poor appetite, loose stools, and qi and blood deficiency.” Regular consumption of jujubes can treat physical weakness, neurasthenia, disharmony of the spleen and stomach, digestive disorders, fatigue-related coughs, anemia, and emaciation. Jujubes are particularly effective in nourishing the liver and preventing cancer. There is a saying: “Eating three jujubes a day keeps you young even at a hundred.”
Distinguishing Genuine Nangong Jumbo Dates
Selecting High-Quality Jujubes
High-quality jumbo dates have a deep purple-red skin, are large and evenly sized, with a short, stout, and round shape, few wrinkles, and shallow marks; they have thin skin, small seeds, and thick, dense flesh. If there are many wrinkles, deep marks, or a sunken appearance, the flesh quality is poor, indicating the dates were made from unripe fresh dates.
If the stem end of the jujube has holes or is stained with coffee-colored or dark brown powder, this indicates that the jujube has been infested by pests. Breaking open the jujube will reveal feces between the flesh and the seed. When eating, be sure to remove any feces and rotten parts.
The taste should be sweet. By tightly squeezing a handful of jujubes, if they feel smooth and not spongy, it suggests a fine, compact texture, dryness, and small seeds. If the sweetness is lacking, there is an acidic or astringent taste, and the texture feels loose and rough when squeezed, the quality is inferior. If the jujubes feel wet and sticky, they may be too moist, not suitable for long-term storage, and prone to mold and spoilage.
Awards and Honors
Gold Medal at the 2007 China International Forestry Industry Expo;
On May 7, 2009, Nangong Jumbo Dates were registered as a geographical indication trademark.
Serving Suggestions
1. Angelica and Jujube Porridge
15 grams of angelica, 50 grams of jujubes, 20 grams of sugar, 50 grams of rice. Soak the angelica in warm water for a moment, add 200 ml of water, and boil down to 100 ml of concentrated juice. Remove the residue and retain the juice. Combine the angelica juice, rice, jujubes, and sugar with an appropriate amount of water, and cook until porridge forms. Consume the porridge warm in the morning and evening, with each course lasting 10 days. This porridge has the function of replenishing blood, regulating menstruation, relieving pain, and promoting bowel movements. It is suitable for symptoms such as insufficient qi and blood, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, blood-deficiency headaches, dizziness, and constipation.
2. Jujube and Goji Berry Porridge
Ingredients: 70g jujubes, 15g goji berries, 100g rice.
Instructions:
Soak and clean the jujubes, goji berries, and other ingredients first.
Combine the jujubes, goji berries, rice, and water in a pot and cook until done. Add rock sugar for seasoning as desired. You can adjust the consistency and sweetness according to personal preference.