Jujube
Jujube
Jujube also known as Chinese date, is a 15-30 foot tree native to China. This fruit can range from cherry to plum in size and is very versatile in use. They can be eaten fresh, dried and in a number of value-added products. Jujube is known to have positive health aspects which could be used to help with marketing to consumers. Due to it's relatively disease and insect free production, jujube would be a good potential candidate for organic production if planted in the right environment.
Key Requirements
| Land | Low |
| Labor | Medium |
| Capital | Medium |
Take the HortBizQuiz to see how much Land, Labor, and Capital you have for your operation.
Markets
- Direct to Consumer
- Farmer's Market
- On-Farm Stands
- CSA
- Value-Added
- Specialty Food Markets
Pests & Disease
Subject to spotted wing drosophila infestations, making spraying a necessity. Jujube is attractive to deer and birds, and wildlife exclusion strategies could present significant time and expense for commercial plantings.
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets. Year 3 being the first production year.
Year 3 being the first production year a negative return of ($854). Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets. Full production year 5 forward.
Challenges
- Unfamiliarity can inhibit widespread consumer acceptance, limiting sales volume.
- Necessity of processing further complicates the marketing process, eliminating direct fresh sales and affecting increasing returns.
Opportunities
- Jujube may be well suited for development as a niche market crop for fresh markets, similar to gooseberries or currents.
- Jujube is a relatively undemanding tree adaptable to various soil types, as well as a range of soil pH.
- Have positive health aspects and these characteristics may help grow markets for both crops among more health-conscious American consumers.