Black jujube / southern date

A jujube date processed by alternating sun-drying and steaming until glossy black, firmer and less sugary than the red date. It gives broth a deep, mellow date sweetness and is the traditional swap for red dates in pots for those who run hot and dry.

TCM properties

Nature · neutral　Flavour · sweet　Meridians · spleen、stomach

Traditional food therapy

In Cantonese food therapy it is credited with nourishing the blood and spleen while staying moist and unheaty, traditionally chosen over red dates by those prone to dryness.

Cautions — read first

• High in sugar, so people with diabetes should take note

Preparation

Wash them. You can pit them if you like.

Origin · Geo-authentic (道地) source

浙江義烏、東陽（金華一帶） — absent from AU online retail surveyed 2026-08; red jujube is ubiquitous instead

Availability in Australia

Herbal shops / specialists

Pairs well with