What are Chinese red dates called? Unveiling the Jujube

November 27, 2025 •

2 min read

Dating back over 8,000 years, the Chinese red date is one of the world's oldest cultivated fruits. Today, people often wonder, "What are Chinese red dates called?" The answer is simple: they are also known as jujubes, or in Mandarin, hóng zǎo (红枣), and are prized for their versatility and health properties.

Quick Summary

Chinese red dates are commonly known as jujubes, Chinese dates, or hóng zǎo (红枣) in Mandarin. This ancient fruit is used in Chinese cuisine and traditional medicine, prized for its sweet flavor and health benefits, from promoting sleep to boosting immunity.

Key Points

Jujube: The most common English name is jujube.
Hóng Zǎo: In Mandarin Chinese, it is called hóng zǎo (红枣).
Dried vs. Fresh: Most often used dried, developing a sweet, chewy texture.
Culinary Versatility: Used in teas, soups, porridges, and desserts.
Health Benefits: Known for boosting immunity, aiding digestion, and promoting better sleep.
Not a Palm Date: From a different botanical family than common palm dates.

Common Names for Chinese Red Dates

Chinese red dates are known by several names. The most common English name is jujube, also called Chinese dates or simply red dates. In Mandarin Chinese, the name is hóng zǎo (红枣). All these names refer to the fruit from the Ziziphus jujuba tree.

Botanical and Historical Context of Jujubes

Jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba) originated in Southern Asia. Their cultivation dates back to the Neolithic age in China. For millennia, these fruits have been important in both cooking and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

The jujube tree is hardy and can grow in various climates. Fresh jujubes are green and crisp, similar to apples, but they become reddish-brown and wrinkled like dates when ripe. They are most frequently used dried, which enhances their sweet, caramel-like taste and preserves them.

Culinary Uses of Chinese Red Dates

Chinese red dates are used widely in cooking, especially in Asian cuisines.

Sweet and Savory Applications

Teas: Often used to make a warm tea, sometimes with ginger and goji berries.
Soups: Add a mild, sweet flavor to soups and are often included in restorative Chinese broths.
Porridge: Adding red dates to congee provides sweetness and nutrients.
Baked Goods: Can be added to various baked items.
Snacks: Dried jujubes are eaten as a chewy snack.

Health Benefits in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In TCM, red dates, also called Dà Zǎo, are believed to nourish the blood and calm the mind. Their medicinal properties have been recognized for centuries.

Immune Support: High in Vitamin C, jujubes help support the immune system. Some studies indicate they have more Vitamin C than many citrus fruits.
Sleep and Anxiety: Traditionally used for better sleep and reduced anxiety.
Digestive Health: The fiber content aids digestion. Research suggests extracts can strengthen the intestinal lining.
Antioxidant Properties: Jujubes contain antioxidants like flavonoids.
Blood and Qi Nourishment: TCM uses red dates to build blood and Qi (vital energy).

Comparison: Chinese Red Dates vs. Palm Dates

Despite similar appearances when dried, Chinese red dates (jujubes) and common palm dates are different fruits from distinct plant families.


Feature	Chinese Red Date (Jujube)	Palm Date
Botanical Family	Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)	Arecaceae (Palm Family)
Flavor Profile	Subtly sweet, apple-caramel notes.	Rich, very sweet.
Texture	Chewy and dense when dried.	Soft, meaty, and very chewy.
Pit	Single, hard pit.	Single, smooth, elongated seed.
Fresh Consumption	Crisp, apple-like when fresh.	Typically not eaten fresh.

Conclusion

Chinese red dates are most commonly called jujubes, or hóng zǎo (红枣) in Mandarin. This fruit, distinct from palm dates, is valued in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine.

To learn more about the role of red dates in Chinese wellness, you can explore resources on Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common English name is jujube. They are also sometimes referred to as Chinese dates.

In Mandarin, Chinese red dates are called hóng zǎo (红枣), which literally means 'red date'.

No, Chinese red dates (jujubes) are not the same as the regular palm dates. They come from different plant families and have distinct flavors and textures.

Yes, Chinese red dates are known for numerous health benefits, including boosting immunity, calming the mind to aid sleep, and improving digestion.

Chinese red dates are versatile and can be used in teas, sweet and savory soups, porridges, and desserts.

Yes, fresh Chinese red dates can be eaten raw. When fresh and green, they have a crisp, apple-like texture and flavor.

You can typically find dried Chinese red dates in most Chinese or Asian grocery stores. They are also available in some health food stores and online.