Have you ever tasted a fruit that you could say was a mix of an apple and a date? This is žižole—a very old fruit but a very new and trendy one among the consumers. Despite being virtually unknown to the masses, žižole has been gaining ground in the health department as it contains more vitamin C than oranges and also has the scientists’ approval for sleep among the so-called sleep aids.

Three years ago, I chanced upon žižole at a Mediterranean market in my neighborhood. The seller, a very old Croatian lady, with her knowing smile handed me the fruit. “Try it,” she said. “When we could not sleep, my grandma used to make tea from these.” I took one bite and I was the first one to say—crisp, sweet, and tangy all at once, and I went for another one.

What is more, with the taste of žižole you cannot only just enjoy the flavor. It is the fact that it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over a millennia, Mediterranean houses have been passing on recipes from one generation to the other, and now modern-day researchers are validating what the ancient healers knew: this tiny fruit is strong.

What Exactly Is Žižole?

Žižole (the pronunciation is “zhee-zhoh-leh”) has several other names, such as: jujube, Chinese date, red date, or its Latin name Ziziphus jujuba. It is a small stone fruit with large olive size that is produced by tough trees in warm areas from China to Croatia.

The fruit begins as green and crispy resembling a firm apple. Gradually, it changes color from green to yellowish, then reddish-brown. Fresh žižole are quite crunchy and have a sweet-tart flavor. If they are left to dry, their taste and texture would change to something chewy and caramel-like, very close to dates but with more complexity.

The continent-crossing adaptation of the fruit is what amazes the most. Chinese cultivars are usually more than twice the size and sweeter. They are the most suitable for fresh consumption. The Mediterranean varieties are usually smaller and have a more potent flavor. They are thus the most suitable for making jams and liqueurs. However, all these regions offer the same health benefits.

The tree is the main reason why the tree benefits are mentioned. It is incredibly strong, survives droughts, pests, and produces fruits even in poor soils. This hardiness is likely to be the reason why žižole trees moved along the ancient trade routes. Traders would just need to find a place that was warm enough to plant a seedling and it would grow there.

Why Žižole Matters for Your Health

Here’s where things get interesting. That Croatian vendor wasn’t just sharing folklore—she was passing down knowledge backed by centuries of use and modern science.

Vitamin C content that rivals citrus. Fresh žižole pack around 69mg of vitamin C per 100g. That’s more than most oranges. When I started adding a handful to my morning routine, I noticed fewer colds during winter. Coincidence? Maybe. But the immune-boosting properties are well-documented.

Natural sleep support without grogginess. The compounds in žižole—specifically saponins and flavonoids—have mild sedative effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners have prescribed jujube tea for insomnia for over 2,000 years. A 2018 study found that jujube extracts interact with neurotransmitters involved in sleep regulation. I brew dried žižole with chamomile before bed, and the difference is noticeable. Not knockout-drops strong, but a gentle easing into sleep.

Digestive health benefits. The fiber content (around 3.7g per 100g fresh) helps regulate bowel movements naturally. In Ayurvedic medicine, practitioners use jujube to soothe digestive issues. My friend with IBS swears by žižole tea after meals—says it’s the only thing that doesn’t upset her stomach.

Antioxidant protection. Žižole contain flavonoids, phenols, and polysaccharides that combat oxidative stress. This translates to potential anti-aging benefits, skin health support, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. The science here is solid—multiple studies confirm significant antioxidant activity.

Blood pressure and bone health. With potassium, calcium, and magnesium, žižole support cardiovascular and skeletal systems. It’s not a miracle cure, but as part of a balanced diet, these minerals add up.

The low glycemic index is worth noting too. Despite being sweet, žižole won’t spike your blood sugar like candy would. Fresh ones particularly are suitable for people watching their glucose levels.

How to Actually Use Žižole

This is one of the weak points of much writing—advantages are given, but the reader is not told how to use the fruit. I am here to correct it with proven methods.

The first and the easiest method is the fresh eating. You need to just wash them and eat them whole (the pit is big and thus you have to be careful). The crunchiness is almost like a thick pear. I mix them with salads that include arugula, walnuts, and balsamic vinaigrette. The sweetness of the fruit is a perfect complement to the bitterness of the greens.

Dried žižole is an extremely adaptable ingredient. Always, I keep a jar on my counter. They can be added into oatmeal, trail mix, and baked goods. Last month I made muffins with chopped dried žižole as a substitute for raisins—my children could not get enough of them. The chewiness gives, besides that, a nice mouth feel, and the flavor of cinnamon is enhanced beautifully by caramel notes.

Tea is a classic method. Place 5-6 dried žižole in water and boil it for 15 minutes. If you want you can add ginger and honey. This is now my nighttime routine. The tea has very mild sweetness and earthy quality that is relaxing but not too heavy.

Mediterranean area keeps an excellent secret with their preserves. In Croatia and Italy, people do not hesitate to prepare džem od žižula (žižole jam) which is similar to Žižole jam (the name says it all). The jam is sweeter than most but still has that complicated depth. I use it on toast, incorporated in butter or as a marinade for chicken I roast. Sure, chicken—the sweet-savory mix is truly delightful.

People are usually caught off guard by savory dishes. Dried žižole are a secret ingredient in Chinese soups and stews. I added them to a slow-cooked chicken soup. These fruits give the dish a mild sweetness and dissolve into the stock. My husband who was doubtful at first, asked me for the recipe.

Liqueurs and spirits have a traditional connotation. Žižole rakija (brand of jujube) is very popular on the coast of the Adriatic. I haven’t prepared any of my own yet but I’ve tried it—smooth, slightly sweet, with a hint of fruit. It is a part of family gatherings and celebrations.

Growing Your Own Žižole Tree

The process of growing žižole trees is surprisingly simple if you have sufficient space and appropriate climatic conditions. These trees are not very demanding.

Climate demands are particular but can be negotiated. Žižole trees do best in hot and dry conditions with very hot summers. The Mediterranean, parts of California, Texas, and the Southwest are the areas to imagine. They need total sunlight—no less than 6 hours a day. The different species have different cold tolerances, however, most can survive short frosts after they have been established.

Your soil is not required to be of top quality. The only soil requirement is that it be well-drained. Any kind of soil like sandy, loamy, or even poor soil will do. Below my neighbor’s house is clay-heavy ground, he planted one there, added compost, and now it is doing well three years later.

Once established watering is not a frequent need. Young trees need frequent water for the first season. After that, they are remarkably drought tolerant. During the summer I water my tree deeply every two weeks, during the cooler months less often.

The best method of propagation is through grafting. Most nurseries offer grafted trees for sale. Thus, you are assured of the variety you desire and the harvest in 2-3 years. Seeds will take 5-7 years to produce and the trees may not be like the parent plant.

Pruning is necessary for them to be active. Pruning in the late winter every year will keep the tree in good shape and will also increase its yield. Dead branches should be removed, and some overcrowded branches should be thinned out to allow light to penetrate the canopy. It is not difficult—just the basics of fruit tree pruning apply.

It is very rare that they encounter pest problems. This is an important advantage. I have not had any pest problems in the four years of growing. The birds occasionally eat some of the fruits but there are a lot of them to spare.

The right harvesting time is a must. Depending on the variety and location, fruits mature from late summer to early fall. They start from green and change to yellowish to red-brown. For eating fresh, pick them when they are just beginning to change color. For drying, wait until they are fully colored.

Common Mistakes People Make

Having a chat with the other žižole producers and consumers has led me to the conclusion that there are things that must never be done in any case.

Overwatering is responsible for the death of more plants compared to underwatering. Those are the kinds of plants that can live in a desert environment. Roots will rot if there is too much water. If yellowing and dropping of leaves occur, first check whether the correct amount of water is supplied and only then consider applying fertilizer.

Also, buying dried žižole from sources that cannot be trusted. Quality can vary a lot. I once made the mistake of buying jujubes online at a low price—they were so tough that you couldn’t even bite them and they had no flavor at all. Rely only on established sellers or Asian/Mediterranean markets with a high turnover.

Not to expect quick results from the tea. Žižole tea for sleep is not the same as melatonin. It works slowly and builds up gradually. Don’t consume one cup and expect yourself to be asleep. Regularity of about one-two weeks is the time over which effects are reflected.

Ignoring the selection of varieties. When you are planting a tree, dig deep into the varieties that suit your climate and purpose the best. Li and Shanxi Li are great for fresh eating. Lang doesn’t mind so much and is good for drying. Honey Jar is super sweet but smaller in size. Select according to your aspirations.

Not looking for possible interactions with drugs. Žižole can interfere with some drugs, especially antidepressants like venlafaxine and certain anti-seizure medications. If you are taking drugs ask your physician first if he/she agrees that you should take regularly the herb.

The Cultural Significance Worth Knowing

What really amazed me about žižole was not only the variety of health benefits that come with it but also the intertwining of various cultures connecting different parts of the world.

China has jujube mentioned in the earliest medical texts that go back more than two thousand years. It is used for blood nourishment, mind calming, and body strengthening. Alongside these properties red dates are associated with good luck and wealth.

The Mediterranean—Croatia, Italy, Greece—family has žižole trees in their gardens as Americans have apple trees. The time of harvest is a celebration of the community. The Italian expression “andare in brodo di giuggiole” has the meaning of “to be overjoyed,” and literally refers to the happiness coming from žižole syrup.

India has the closely related species Ziziphus mauritiana (Indian jujube or elanthai) which is offered by the street vendors. The fruit is consumed by people with salt and chili powder—a mix I tried and loved. Sweet, salty, and spicy are surprisingly harmonious.

The reverence from different cultures implies a universal aspect of žižole. It is not only food—it is also medicine, tradition, community, and connection to the land.

Where to Find Žižole Today

Finding žižole has gotten easier, but you still need to know where to look.

Asian grocery stores are your best bet for dried jujubes. Look in the dried fruit or traditional medicine sections. They’re often labeled as red dates or hong zao.

Mediterranean markets sometimes carry fresh žižole in late summer/early fall. I’ve found them at Italian and Croatian specialty shops.

Health food stores increasingly stock dried jujubes in the superfood section. Expect to pay more than at Asian markets.

Online retailers offer both fresh (in season) and dried year-round. Nuts.com, Amazon, and specialty importers carry quality options.

Farmers markets in warm climates might have them during harvest season. I’ve seen them at markets in California and Arizona.

Growing your own is becoming popular. Nurseries that specialize in fruit trees often carry several varieties. Stark Bro’s, One Green World, and local nurseries in suitable climates typically stock them.

What About Fresh vs. Dried?

Fresh and dried žižole both provide benefits. Fresh ones have the highest vitamin C and crunchy texture. They are seasonable and difficult to get. Dried ones are sweet and flavorful, and last for months. I store both—keeping fresh ones only when available, while dried ones are always there.

How to Store Them Properly

Fresh žižole last about a week in the refrigerator. Store them in a breathable container or bag—not sealed plastic.

Dried žižole keep for months in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. I use mason jars in my pantry. They’ll last even longer in the freezer.

FAQ

Are žižole the same as dates?

Not at all, even if their dried forms are alike and thus referred to as Chinese dates. Fruits of date palms (Phoenix dactylifera) are dates and on the other hand, jujubes are fruits coming from Ziziphus jujuba trees. Dried jujubes taste a bit like dates but they also have an apple flavor note and possess different nutrient profiles.

Can I eat žižole every day?

Yes, for most people. A small handful of fresh or dried žižole daily is safe and beneficial. The high fiber content means eating too many at once might cause digestive discomfort. Start with a few and see how your body responds. If you’re on medication or have health conditions, consult your healthcare provider first.

Do žižole really help with sleep?

Traditional medicine says yes and a few studies back it up. Žižole has some ingredients that can possibly influence neurotransmitters that are responsible for sleep. The effect is mild—more like a support for relaxation than a hard sleep. I have experienced the benefits of žižole tea at night, but it was a week of regular use before I could notice any influence.

Where can I buy a žižole tree?

Online nurseries specializing in fruit trees often carry them. Stark Bro’s, One Green World, and regional nurseries in warm climates typically stock several varieties. Local nurseries in California, Arizona, Texas, and southern states may have them. Make sure to choose a variety suited to your climate zone.

What’s the best variety for beginners?

Li is a variety that is very commonly suggested for novice planters. It is a big, sugary, fruitful and comparatively easy to get one. If your location is a bit cooler, Lang is the one that occupies the least space in terms of cold tolerance. In the case of pots or limited areas, Honey Jar is the variety that remains less extensive but still gives sweet fruit.

How long until a žižole tree produces fruit?

Grafted trees from nurseries typically fruit within 2-3 years of planting. Trees grown from seed take 5-7 years and may not produce quality fruit. I recommend buying a grafted tree for faster, more reliable results. My 3-year-old tree gave me a small harvest last fall.

Can people with diabetes eat žižole?

Fresh žižole have a relatively low glycemic index compared to many sweet fruits, but they do contain natural sugars. Dried žižole have concentrated sugars and should be eaten in smaller portions. Anyone managing diabetes should monitor their blood sugar response and consult their healthcare provider about appropriate serving sizes.

Moving Forward with Žižole

Incorporating žižole into my daily life for three years has made it impossible for me to think of going back. The health benefits are somewhat evident, but mainly subtle such as sleep getting better, catching colds less often, and less problematic digestion. The flavors I am talking about bring sweet as well as savory dishes to a whole new level. And it is very much the same with me growing a tree; I become part of the long-lasting tradition of humanity.

Do it slowly. A bag of dried jujubes can be bought through an Asian market. Tea can be made. Try a few in your oatmeal. Check your reaction. If you have a place and the right weather, think about planting a tree—it’s not much work and you get fruits.

This isn’t about impeccably franchising the latest superfood trend. Žižole have been a source of life for whole communities over the centuries. They have proved their worth through health benefitting, being versatile and hardy. So, whether you are looking for better sleep, immune support, or perhaps just something that is both delicious and very different, žižole is always there giving you all you want through every aspect.